Lessen the Risk for: Depression

Recently, I've been worrying so much that I started breaking out everywhere and I couldn't even think straight. At one point, I thought I had depression even without going to the doctor. On doing a little research regarding depression, here's what I got:

DEPRESSION 

22% Average woman's risk 

40% Risk if one parent had it 

Though a recent study hinted at a genetic marker, there's no concrete test that reveals whether you'll get hit with the blues. 

Reduce Your Risk 

Swig some joe. Women who sipped two cups of coffee a day had a 15 percent lower risk for depression, according to a 2011 study. The key may lie in the caffeine, which could accelerate the release of mood-elevating hormones. 

Eat Greek. Sticking to a Mediterranean diet--think salmon, sardines, olive oil, avocados--can lower depression risk by more than 30 percent. Such food is chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids that can help stabilize your mood, says Orlando-based psychologist Alan D. Keck, Psy.D.

Break a sweat. Working out can strengthen your mental health. A study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that regular exercise can reduce depression by a whopping 47 percent. Shoot for 30 minutes of jogging five times a week.