What are some healthy tools you use to shorten bouts of depression?

Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, while drinking lots of water, can really improve your mood. I drink a cup of chamomile or green tea. There's something really uplifting and cleansing about nutritional food. I also like sitting outside if I feel badly. Ten minutes of sunshine can really improve your mood. Sit outside and take some deep breaths.

When I can't get into activities that I normally enjoy, I do small things for other people. Anything from opening a door for someone or just paying for someone coffee. I find putting a smile on other people's faces helps me.

Talking to someone, taking a hot shower, exercising. Cooking is also good, make yourself a really healthy meal, you deserve it!

Engage yourself in something- anything, at all. It could be a hobby; you can volunteer in certain activities. Do something productive and think less because, thinking pulls you right into deeper thinking. Chances are, you won't find a solution to your problem while you're depressed. By doing something engaging, you're essentially taking some time off of depression (whatever that means).

I have one tool that I use. Healthy or not, I don't know, but I relish in my depression. I let it consume me, and I ask myself why. I take big long walks asking myself about why I'm depressed, and after awhile, for some reason, it became enjoyable. If you feel that things don't matter, keep asking yourself whether or not they do; if you feel empty, ask yourself how empty you feel and why over and over again. Keep at it, and you might discover something interesting. It sure beats doing nothing! Note: It's just what I do, and it works for me. We all have our coping methods, and yours may be different. Don't take my unprofessional words for more than what they are.

Ice cream, relaxing music, a gratitude journal, meditation, candles, a warm bath and some chocolate.

Regular exercise, healthy diet, good quality regular sleep and socialisation can really help lift and reduce periods of depression. Also consider practising daily acts of gratitude, of self-love and of self-care. You also might find opening up to someone close whom you trust and asking them to act as an accountability partner to help you stay motivated and encourage you. Medication and psychotherapy can also be really helpful.

I talk to strangers, simply because i cannot face my family and friends regarding this. But if you do have a choice, talk to them for more support. So what i do is i join communities like 7cups of tea to release what i feel inside. it will help you for sure.

I have noticed in the past yoga and meditation really helps with depression. Lots of sunlight and fresh air. Also talking with people you love and trust.

As hard as it may be, I force myself out of bed, and force myself to go for a walk. I even use incentives, for example "If I walk to the Ice Cream shop, I will buy myself a mango ice cream cone" . Or even force myself to meet up with friends, when depressed I can think of 100 reasons not to go, so I take a deep breath...hold it.... and walk out that door! By the end of the day, I usually feel pretty good :) ... It's not a cure, but it helps break that downward spiral!!