What makes you happy?

[TheRealGussieFinkNottle]

I went through a bit of a bad patch recently, and then had a look at what I could do to help myself to feel better. Something that really helped me was looking at what makes me stressed, and trying to eliminate and manage those factors as much as possible, as well as trying to make time to do things that I enjoy.

I've found looking at time-management strategies really useful, as I'm hoping better time-management will give me more time to do things I really enjoy.

This might sound quite boring, but here goes... visiting my parents for the weekend, and just chilling out on a lovely comfy squashy sofa reading the paper, sitting next to one of our cats. He was purring like mad a minute ago and has just gone to sleep, while cat no. 2 is padding around, asking for attention ❤️ I just feel really happy and peaceful.

What sort of strategies do you have to make yourself feel happier/more secure?

[Santawontbelong]

Finishing a chore /project makes me feel a bit more in control and less stressed. That makes me happy!!

[SomewhatIdiosyncratic]

Running makes me happy (although not necessarily in the moment of it ). It burns energy and stops me getting twitchy. I can set the goals if I wish. It gets me outside and I can choose to get out into the countryside. It's time on my own to let my mind run free.

[TheRealGussieFinkNottle]

Ooh yes me too Santa :)

[wobblywonderwoman]

I am struggling at the moment too - I am going to try taking up some craft work again. Not sitting in front of crap TV. So I have bought a plain wooden advent calendar.

I also like baking / cooking so going to get back into it

Hope you feel better soon op

[TheRealGussieFinkNottle]

Yep same Somewhat :) it's just starting the running that I find really tough 🙈🙈

[LipstickHandbagCoffee]

Sitting on the sofa with a Cuppa tea, a book, hair masque and clean pjs

[TheRealGussieFinkNottle]

Thanks so much wobbly

[Fekko]

Food, getting my teeth into a really good spreadsheet or other project.

[topsyandtimison]

When house is clean and I’m only one in it. Also silence and food.

[manicinsomniac]

They don't sound boring at all.

Mine depend on what kind of happiness I'm trying to achieve.

If I'm actively stressed and anxious:

• sitting very still and gently tapping one shoulder then the other in a rhythm - sounds crazy but it's supposed to be a 'grounding' technique and it does sort of work.
  
• running
  
• sitting in a window seat, doing nothing (only if it's a nice day outside and a seat with a good view)
  
• reading really offensive and bun fighty threads on here
  
  If I just want to cheer up and do something I love:
  
• dance classes - the longer and more intense the better the feeling
  
• going to London
  
• going to the theatre
  
• reading a favourite book or watching a favourite film
  
• charity/vintage shop shopping

[HundredMilesAnHour]

Getting away from it all in the countryside (or by the sea) makes me happy. Preferably not being able to see or hear another human while I'm there. Just being alone with nature makes me feel at peace.

Unfortunately I live in central London so this doesn't happen anywhere near as often as I'd like!

[vitaminC]

Water makes me happy and cheers me up - swimming, walking along a riverbank or lakeside, even just having a bath - does wonders for my mood!

Sitting in the sun is also one of my little everyday pleasures - if I have time, I like to grab a coffee after lunch and stand or sit outside in the sun to drink it.

[TheRealGussieFinkNottle]

Ah it's been lovely reading all of these! :) could I also ask what helps you feel better when you're feeling stressed?

[Longdistance]

When my house is clean and tidy.
Dh and dds are messy, so when I’ve tidied and cleaned, I walk around the house feeling proud. It doesn’t last long, as when the rabble arrives it becomes a state again.

I like peace and quiet without dc at home.

Having an afternoon snooze to recharge my batteries.

Taking my bra off at the end of a long day.

[Lucisky]

Longdistance, your bra removal made me laugh (in a sympathetic way).
Op, the older I get I realise it's the little things that make me happy. Sitting with a cuppa looking at the garden, or cooking a really nice meal for oh and me from a new recipe, or just walking the dog and listening to buzzards call and the curlews on the river bank. I like silence and nature and the changing seasons. Just to be alive is good really.

[Lucisky]

Just to add op, when I am feeling stressed, and assuming it is something I can't sort out by applying myself to the problem, I find a brisk walk, or a chat with oh or a friend (about anything), or a large glass of wine and a good book or tv programme help. Just divertionary tactics really. However stressed you may feel at any given time, it will always pass.

[nameusername]

Running, reading, fresh air, music, having some space for myself..bonus points if I got the whole house to myself and lounging in my PJs

[Oysterbabe]

Spending time alone. Doesn't matter what I'm doing as long as it's quiet and I'm on my own.

[DontOpenDeadInside]

It varies on my mood at that time, but sometimes I like to watch telly, read a book, do jigsaws or adult colouring book.

I like silence. Once I drop kids at school I get in the car, turn the radio off and drive home in silence.

Walking the dog, this depends. Sometimes I like the quiet/me time but other times it gives me too much time to think about stuff and makes me more stressed. I counter this by listening to an audiobook.

I love having a day out with my DC's. Preferably an outdoorsy trip with the dog and a picnic. However one of them always ends up moaning and spoils it.

Smelling the clean washing fresh from the tumble.

[Neverender]

Going for a massive walk with lots of friends in the wind and cold...and then going to the pub on the way home. (I have the best conversations when I’m walking with people). Followed by a lovely bath and curling up on the sofa with a cup of tea in the warm with the cat.

[niceandspicey]

I agree that a tidy house & exercise really help me feel less stressed.

[NameChanger22]

Being organised. Having a clean house. Being creative. Being good at things. Being warm and well-fed. Caffeine. Netflix. Pinterest.

[imonaplane]

My dogs.