A depressed mood can be a difficult mental illness to overcome, but there are ways you can develop at home to beat the blues and improve your mental wellbeing. Whether it's checking your vitamin D levels or getting creative, here are 10 effective tips to help you improve your mood and thrive.

Check your vitamin D level

Low vitamin D levels can lead to tiredness, weakness and mood swings such as depression. If you feel poorly, you should have your vitamin D level checked. Your doctor can do a blood test to see if you could benefit from vitamin D supplementation.

Set yourself small goals

Everything can feel overwhelming when you're struggling with depression. Instead of setting big goals, try breaking things down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Setting SMART goals can help you stay on track and get a sense of accomplishment.

Eat a healthy diet

Diet can be a common problem with depressed mood. Make sure you eat a balanced, Mediterranean diet to reduce your risk of depression. Cooking healthy meals can be a challenge when you're feeling depressed. So try simple, stress-free recipes like microwaved salmon with an apple and baby carrots.

Stay in touch with your loved ones

Social isolation can increase the risk of depression. It is therefore important for your mental and physical well-being to stay in touch with friends and family. If you can't meet anyone in person, try to keep in touch using technology such as texting or video chatting.

Spend time in nature

Spending time outdoors, whether it's in your garden or a nearby park, has been shown to have many positive effects on your mental health. Studies have shown that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress levels, improve mood and increase attention span.

Keep a diary of gratitude

Practicing gratitude can improve your mental health and your relationships. Take a few minutes each day to write down the things you are grateful for. This can help you to appreciate the good things in your life, even on difficult days.

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is an effective way to combat the symptoms of depression. You can try simple meditation techniques that focus on reducing worry and repetitive thoughts. It can also help to visualize a symbol for your depressive symptoms and let it go.

Exercise regularly

Exercise can be just as effective as antidepressants in treating depression. When you're feeling low, it can be difficult to start exercising, so start small. Even a short walk outside or a gentle yoga class can improve your mood and boost your physical health.

Declutter your home

Having too many things in your home can be stressful and make your life more difficult. Tidying and decluttering can help you gain a sense of control over your environment, reduce stress and overwhelm and make it easier to complete daily tasks. Even small steps, such as throwing away garbage, can make a big difference to your mental wellbeing.

Get creative

Art therapy has proven effective as part of a treatment plan for many mental illnesses, including depression. Engage in creative projects that help you express your feelings, structure and give meaning to your day, and give you a sense of accomplishment.

Remember that a depressed mood can be depression, which is a serious condition that requires professional treatment. But these tips can help boost your mental health and improve your overall well-being. Start with one or two that you like and incorporate them into your daily routine. Over time, you'll find that these small changes add up to a big improvement in your mental health.