Most people experience some sort of depression at some point in their lives. Sometimes the unhappy feelings last for shorter and more manageable amounts of time, but sometimes unhappiness and a general feeling of “gloom” can last for weeks, months or even years.
Often people want to be happy but they don’t know which key will unlock their happiness and surround them with love and lightness. It can be incredibly frustrating.
The truth is our brains are equipped to unlock the door to happiness. We just have to know which key to use in order to release it!
Experience Happiness Naturally
Science shows that each of us has the innate ability to release our natural anti-depressants without the aid of pharmaceutical drugs. With some work facilitated by health care providers like me, we can discover how to be happy without the use of medication.
Our natural ability for happiness is actually more powerful than any kind of narcotic drug: it’s available any time because it lies within you, and like a muscle, you can learn over time to use it effectively.
Self-judgment, negative thoughts and self-criticism are most often the culprits that cause people to feel unhappy or depressed. Many people may feel that, at some point in their lives, they let themselves down; these repetitive and crushing thought patterns make it very difficult to experience joy and happiness.
Anti-Depressants Ultimately Make the Situation Worse
When people are feeling chronically unhappy, they will often act out or do things that are inappropriate. Excessive alcohol use, drug abuse and sex addiction are some of the more common ways people act out that may lead them to be prescribed an anti-depressant like Prozac or Wellbutrin.
Ironically, people tend toward addictive behavior in an attempt to relieve their depression, but what ends up happening in the long run is the opposite. Each time they engage in the addiction, they push happiness farther away. It’s like sludge. It becomes more and more difficult to get through the sludge when you think that it is the key to your happiness.
Often, the prescription drugs that are meant to solve the problem of depression only become the next addiction. If possible, it is best to seek natural remedies for depression.
Mindful Meditation to Tap into Happiness
Meditating regularly is one of the keys to experiencing happiness and relief from depression. It allows us to improve our moods by eliminating or limiting negative self-talk that can be harmful.
Find a quiet space, and sit comfortably for at least ten minutes a day. Take the time to connect with yourself and notice any thoughts that come and go. You may soon be able to pinpoint negative thoughts that keep you stuck in a place of unhappiness – and that’s the first key to releasing them and experiencing joy.
Mindfulness is so important because it helps us practice self-compassion, connect with our purpose, strengthen our coping skills and release feel-good endorphins that improve overall well being.
Little by little, by practicing good habits like meditating, exercising, playing with children or animals, and doing things we love with the people we love, we strengthen our ability to connect with our happiness. It is the key to unlocking the gates of sustained, day-to-day joy.
Could you benefit from experiencing more joy in your life? If you would like to have a complimentary call with me to talk about natural ways to relieve depression and tap into your natural happiness, let’s talk. Click HERE to connect with me.
Wishing you peace to your mind, wellness to your body and tranquility to your spirit.
Namaste,
Rochel Marie Lawson, RN, AHP, CMS
The Queen of Feeling Fabulous and The Wellness Architect
