Section summary we have with us at all times a potential friend, someone who can speak to us encouragingly,
praise our successes, support us when we are down blan, nice experiences for us, give us opportunities
to use our strengths and challenge us in a loving way.
Unfortunately, we often play the role of our own enemy, being quick to criticize and slow to forgive
ourselves, keeping ourselves from physical exercise, depriving ourselves of sleep, feeding ourselves
unhealthy food, and minimizing our enjoyment in life.
You will be working on a completely different approach.
Planning your life the way you would for someone who love these plans will take care of your fundamental
needs for nourishing food, restful sleep and consistent movement.
They also include managing stressors you encounter and spending time in nature.
Finally, some of the kindest things you can do for yourself are to practice gratitude and give back
to others.
These practices work well together.
For example, studies of the Mediterranean lifestyle have found benefits not only of the diet but also
of greater engagement and social activities and more physical activity.
One study found that the Mediterranean diet alone led to about a 20 percent reduction in depression
risk, whereas adding greater physical activity and more socializing led to a 50 percent reduction.