6. Exercise

Regular Exercise is well known as a natural treatment for depression. Exercise promotes improved self-esteem. When you exercise (even walking a few miles), your body releases endorphins which interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain.

Endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body. For example, the feeling that follows a run or workout is often described as “euphoric.” That feeling, known as a “runner’s high,” can be accompanied by a positive and energizing outlook on life. Endorphins also act as analgesics, which means they diminish the perception of pain. They also act as sedatives.

Regular exercise reduces stress by lowering levels of cortisol, wards off anxiety and feelings of depression and improve sleep because the reduced levels of cortisol raises serotonin, our natural anti-depressant chemicals. And finally, it boosts self-esteem.
30 to 45 minutes a day of an exercise routine should be maintained each day for treating depression. Yoga, walking, dumbells, exercise balls, biking and many other options are available for home or the gym. If you don’t want to do the same thing everyday, mix it up.