Exercise is a great mood lifting. Mood elevating endorphins are released during exercise. A brisk walk or jog is great way to clear air. Other great exercises for this are cycling, racquet sports, aerobic exercise, weight lifting, etc.

As always, it is important to look at things holistically. Emotional aspect must consider. Often depression comes with an overload of energy, so releasing that energy is important. So apart from exercise already mentioned, massage is a great energy mover. Doing things that help spark your creativity can help release pent up emotional energy too. Consider writing in a journal, or stories, poetry, whatever. Drawing pictures, they don't have to be a master pieces, just let yourself go, draw squiggles, doodle, paint picture, splurge with colour. Take a class in something like pottery, anything creative. Play a musical instrument. Sing. It doesn't have to be in tune, just let it out; this is a great way to release emotions. Enjoy other people's creativity; go to museums, art galleries, craft show, or concerts.

A great way to deal with depression is to get involved in something worthwhile. Leave your troubles behind and help someone else. In our lives today, it is so easy to become isolated from other people. This is just a breeding ground for depression. Join a group and make some friends. Find someone to talk to about your problems. In severe cases counselling may help.

If you need more than this you may want to consider supplements. Hypericum (St John's Wort) is number 1 herb for depression. (If you are on other medication, check first that it won't interact) Tryptophan is available but on a limited basis. A multivitamin, which is high in B vitamins, is essential. Flower Essences are a good stand by to help you through. Essential oils can also lift mood. (If you would like help in selecting right combination of supplements, just contact me through my website, http://www.puttingitright.com.au and I will put together a selection for you, with a special price.)

Above all, changing your outlook helps. Work on replacing your negative thoughts with positive empowering thoughts. Take charge and live life you want to live.

Beans and Legumes: These contain soluble fiber which helps to increase your HDL cholesterol and reduce your LDL cholesterol. All kinds of beans and legumes such as pinto, kidney, black-eyed, lentils, pink beans, etc are good for your heart.

Unsaturated Fats: Contrary to misconception that all kinds of fat are bad for you, unsaturated fats and omega 3 fatty acids can actually be good for your heart. Monounsaturated fats (olive oil, canola, peanut, and almond oil) and polyunsaturated fats (corn oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil etc) increase HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol and are thus good for your heart.

Other Cholesterol Lowering Foods: Oats, fenugreek, artichokes, turmeric, guggul, green tea, nuts, and black tea, are all known to lower LDL cholesterol in your body.

Of course, diet is no substitute for a doctor’s care when you are ill. Diet and nutrition represent "the other side of coin" and always inform your doctor whenever you make a dietary change, especially if you are on a pharmaceutical drug.