If you’re among the hundreds of thousands for whom ketamine infusion therapy has provided relief from depression, we’re thrilled to hear that you’re feeling better. You know as well as we do that recovering your mental health is a process that takes time and care. As effective as ketamine for depression may be, maintaining your well-being depends on more than just a breakthrough medical intervention. Nurturing healthy habits in addition to effective treatment is the only way to ensure long-term and lasting wellness. This will mean different things to different people, and yet a few general principles are important to keep in mind.
Healthy Eating Supports Mental Health
As readers will know from our recent blog on the subject, almost all (95%) of your body’s serotonin—the neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, sleep, sexual desire, and many other bodily functions—is produced in the gastrointestinal tract. This means that what you eat plays an enormous role in how you feel.
When you’re feeling depressed, you’re more likely to crave sugary, salty, high-fat foods that provide temporary comfort but ultimately negatively impact well-being. Instead of indulging in junk food, try making fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and lean meats the staples of your diet. Find foods or recipes you like and stock up; invest in a healthy meal delivery service if you have the means; cook large quantities and exchange meals with friends so that everyone gains variety without having to do tons of cooking.
Exercise Is Key
Numerous studies show that exercise can be as effective as medical treatment at resolving mild to moderate depression. What’s more, incorporating movement into your routine brings countless other health benefits.
It’s hard to exercise when you’re feeling depressed, and yet even small bouts can make big differences. Go for a short walk, search for a 15-minute body weight workout on YouTube, or put on some music and take a dance break.
Exercise helps with depression because it triggers the release of endorphins—brain chemicals that boost mood. Furthermore, a healthy appetite after a workout makes it easier to stomach whole foods because these are exactly what your body needs to replenish energy and so exercising makes other healthy habits easier to maintain.
Sleep Plays an Important Role
Insomnia is both a cause and symptom of depression, and so can be hard to address. Ketamine for depression helps manage insomnia, and yet relief is only sustainable if paired with healthy practices. Aim to get to bed at the same time every evening. Limit screen time later in the day, and do not eat for at least an hour before laying down to sleep. Limit caffeine intake and, if applicable, work to quit smoking. Aim for eight hours of good-quality sleep, but don’t stress when you fall short.
Overcoming depression is hard. Ketamine infusion therapy can help, especially in cases where a person has struggled to find relief elsewhere, but is only as effective as the effort you invest in upholding your health. Luckily, self-care implies personal growth, and so every little act of caring for yourself makes continuing to do so easier in the future.
Contact Ketamine Greater Boston
To learn more about how ketamine infusion therapy can support you in leading a depression-free life, do not hesitate to contact Ketamine Greater Boston today.
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