Mind

@IcyMist

I think one key to not being depressed is...

Not dwelling in the mind so much... instead...

Notice when doing it... then realize it might be causing the problem...
probably because of... the stress of not being connected with reality.... so

Then do something simple... and satisfying... in real life instead...
and focus on engaging with the present moment... with both the mind and the body.

Another thing I think is key to not being depressed is...
having lots of physical activities to do... I think it's been proven to be very effective. Exercise is good medicine... As good or better than medication.

Another thing I think is key to not being depressed is...
learning to quiet the mind....

One way is to.... learn Tai Chi stretching and breathing as explained here...

https://www.7cups.com/forum/HealthyLivingSupport_141/ExerciseandActivity_825/MOSTRELAXINGTAICHISTRETCHINGRELAXEDBREATHINGVIDEO_228938/

or here (the 20 second tutorial version)

https://www.7cups.com/forum/HealthyLivingSupport_141/ExerciseandActivity_825/TinyHabitsversionofSlowRelaxing20secondMovestoInduceCalmness1stTinySwayArms_231188/

Other things I think are key to not being depressed are...

having good health habits and well-being habits, like...

good eating habits... and a balanced daily diet of key nutrients,

good sleep habits, consistent sleep times, 7-8 hours daily, all week,

good posture and breathing habits (they are related),

good activity habits (to not be idle for long, getting invigorating fun activity in often),

good social habits (reaching out to people regularly to feel connected),

good mental habits (being mindful or aware of one's thoughts and emotions but not confusing them as one's self, also accepting one's situation)

practicing self-kindness, self-compassion self-care, being one's own friend... rather than enemy

practicing kindness to others often too

replacing avoidance with accpetance

learning to be psychologically resiliant

value-based living (being aware of what is most important to one and doing things to achieve one's values)

being on a daily growth path and making simple tiny-step improvements daily

A lot of the above comes from ACT - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy concepts I read about in a book for dummies.

https://www.google.com/books/edition/Acceptance_and_Commitment_Therapy_For_Du/8vulCgAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Acceptance+And+Commitment+Therapy+For+Dummies&printsec=frontcover

The book is not about depression but I think the concepts and strategies apply in many ways.

Of course the above things are all just ideas that work for me, not recommendations. Everyone is different. So it's good to always contact one's professional healthcare providers before making any lifestyle changes.

Please forgive any typos above.