It’s a fact; 2 out of 3 of us will suffer from depression at some point in our lives. I’m sure all of us are familiar with someone we know who is battling with this devastating illness. Mental Illness is on the rise and below are some points to add into your day to make sure you are at peak performance and in the best state possible to tackle whatever life throws at you.

1. Wake Up. EARLY.

We all know that when we are depressed we want to sleep and escape life. Our bed seems like a safe sanctuary to do this. This is a double edge sword as the more we oversleep the more tired we become and the cycle continues. Break the mould and get UP! Set that alarm for just before sunrise and get outside before work to connect with the world.

2. Start your day with a positivity / appreciation routine

After you get up early, it’s a great time to reconnect with yourself too. No one is bothering you with phone calls and emails and you can really have time to yourself. Write down everything that was positive in your previous day and the positive things you wish to get out of the day ahead, and for at least 10mins think about all the things that you are grateful in our lives. Too often we are working to please others but forget about #1.

3. Clean up your diet and exercise

What we put in our mouths directly affects how our bodies feel. Cut out the crap and delete as much processed food as you can. Increase the good stuff such as fruit / vegetables and lean meats. Decrease your sugar intake and limit your coffee. Food is just fuel, and only you have the choice on the quality fuel you allow to enter your body. Add daily exercise to your schedule too. Exercise will make you feel good by releasing endorphins and get your body looking the way it should. An increase in body image increases confidence and a better way of life.

4. Get off the booze

Alcohol along with most recreational drugs hold the same rule as gravity; what goes up must come down. Alcohol is a depressant, so of course if you drink to excess the after effects will be damaging. Ever wondered why it comes to Monday/Tuesday and even though you are no longer hung over you just have no desire to achieve anything. Those CBF’s come from alcohol after effects so SLOW DOWN the drink!

5. Set Goals and Reflect

Write your long and short term goals down for all aspects in your life. It’s proven that those who have clear defined goals are more likely to achieve them and are more driven to wake up and tackle LIFE. It’s also great to reflect where you have come from and pat yourself on the back. Remember that it’s the journey that’s important and something you need to love, not just the destination.

Article by Aaron Smith – Founder and CEO of KX Group

Head over to People + Profiles to read Aaron’s’ conversation with Twosixmag!

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