We all have moments in our lives when we have felt down. Sometimes we can identify the cause and sometimes we can’t. Some of the reasons we may experience depression include hormonal imbalance, poor diet, lack of exercise, loss of a loved one, pet, or job, or because we are surrounded by negativity. If you’ve been feeling sad and stuck, or just not wanting to participate in your life, try these five tried-and-true tips that can help naturally lift your spirits and help you feel better.

Tip 1.

Stop and smell the oils.

The practice of using essential oils for emotional balance can help us quickly go from feeling down and unmotivated to feeling uplifted and inspired. The way essential oils work with our brain chemistry, hormonal activity, and blood cells is too complicated to explain here. But the basic concept is that by smelling certain scents, we can release and change our emotions, because all of our emotional memory is stored in the amygdala gland, which is part of the olfactory system. By using therapeutic grade essential oils correctly, we can experience many benefits such as; an increase in the uptake of oxygen to our blood cells, the release of negative emotions and the balance of certain hormones that are responsible for feeling good. Research has shown that by using essential oils we can support the very mechanisms that are needed for a happy and healthy outlook.

Here are some favorite essential oils that you can use to improve your mood:

Incense: Considered the holy anointing oil of the Middle East, it helps lift your spirits, reduces inflammation, relaxes your muscles, and strengthens your immune system.

Grapefruit: Refreshing, uplifting, it can be used for depression, anxiety and fluid retention.

Mint: Pain reliever, curbs appetite, clears the nostrils and clears the mind.

inner child^™: orange, mandarin orange, jasmine, ylang ylang, sandalwood, spruce, lemongrass, neroli

It stimulates the memory response and helps to reconnect with the inner Self or identity. This is one of the first steps to find emotional balance.

peace and calm^™: Blue tansy, patchouli, tangerine, orange, ylang ylang

It promotes relaxation and a deep sense of peace and emotional well-being, which helps calm tensions and lift your spirits. When massaged into the soles of the feet, it can be a wonderful prelude to a restful night’s sleep. It can calm hyperactive and hard-to-manage children. Reduces depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia.

rutavala^™: Rude, Valerian and Lavender.

Promotes relaxation of the body and mind while helping to relieve tension and relieve stress. The blend helps overcome negative feelings while encouraging a positive attitude and comfort.

Tip 2.

Observe your other emotions.

Many in the psychotherapy industry say that depression can be the result of inward anger. Unfortunately, our culture doesn’t reward us when we show our anger. I think it’s fair to say that it’s hard to express our anger and it can be uncomfortable to be around people who are angry.

Have you been holding in your anger or frustrations?

Do you allow yourself to express your anger in a healthy and appropriate way?

Do you find yourself unable to get angry when anger is necessary?

Tip 3.

Watch your fire.

From a mind/body perspective, depression can be the result of an inactive Fire Chakra. The Fire chakra, or 3rd chakra, is the energy center located in the solar plexus that governs our will, initiative and passion. Notice how your lower chest and upper belly feel. Often when people are depressed, they are physically or energetically collapsed in this area.

The first step towards healing is your awareness.

How is your breathing?

Are you breathing deeply into your lower belly?

Do you have hunched shoulders?

Do you experience heartburn or indigestion?

Tip 4.

Make noise.

There are a number of polarity exercises and yoga poses that can help you open your fire chakra and get your energy moving. Here is one of my favourites.

Ha! breath: Standing with your feet hip-width apart, place your right hands over your left, with your left palm centered on your midriff. As you inhale through your nose, feel your diaphragm expand. Exhale through your mouth with a loud, gasping “HA!” sound. Feel how your diaphragm contracts. Repeat 5-10 times. Let yourself be LOUD!

Tip 5.

Cultivate compassion.

Read Dali Lama’s book, the art of happiness and practice deliberate acts of kindness. You can get out of your depression by doing something nice for someone else. Help an elderly neighbor with her yard work or take out the trash. Volunteer to help children learn to read or help with an animal rescue organization. When we can stop focusing on ourselves and devote some of our time and attention to helping others, you will soon realize that your contribution is good medicine for you.

“Happiness is not something prefabricated. It comes from your own actions”

~ His Holiness, the Dalí Lama

There’s no denying that being on the planet right now can be challenging. When you watch or listen to the news, or surf the Internet, there are many things going on that can make you depressed. And yes, there are various degrees of depression that can be more difficult to overcome than others, however, by incorporating these tips, you may find that your mood and spirit naturally improve, leaving depression behind.