What things do you do to lift your mood?

[OneThingOffTheList]

Going through a difficult time just now and trying to find ways to keep my spirits up.

What things do you do that lift your mood?

Cleaning and tidying. Kondo or whatever. Feels like I'm cleansing the environment

Going for a walk outside. My anxiety is awful first thing in the morning but after a 45minute walk to work my head is clear and I feel loads better.

Music helps me too.

Achieving something so even just making a list and ticking a few things off (so like, tidy up, do the shopping, deep clean the bathroom, take things to tip, etc) I feel like I'm getting things done.

Going for a run in a nice place like the beach, watching something good on tv.

Go for a long walk (up a Fell if I can!), run or go to the gym.

Music and gin also help

Fresh air, nature, walks, exercise
Yoga or HIIT online - even a 5 minute workout helps
Watch comedies, listen to radio comedy shows
Play soothing piano music (doing it right now) or upbeat music that usually makes you feel more upbeat
Cuddle the cat and DC
Long bubble baths with a good book
Journalling
Making plans for short and long term things to look forward to.
Journalling - gratitude lists and also 'Today I did this' lists where you make note of what you achieved, however small, as it helps stop the spiral of thinking you under achieve.
Small acts of self-care - a face mask, mani or pedicure, brow-threading, hair treatment.
Going out to a gig, show or comedy night
Going for a long walk with a close friend

Best cure of all: do something new - if you are very down, not something tough, like learning a new language or instrument, which it's easy to fail at, but just visiting a new town, trying a new food or drink, listening to a new band or comedian's set, then gradually build it up to include stuff you've always wanted to do but never down: row a boat, wild swim, Go Ape - stuff that gets you out of your house and your head!

Forgot to add, decluttering. Feels so good to open a perfectly tidy drawer or cupbaord, or walk into a clean, tidy room. Very soothing.

Doing something childish and fun. Being a grown-up is exhausting, sometimes you have to pretend you're still a kid.
I recently hosted a party for a group of friends, everyone attended in pyjamas, got a takeaway, few drinks, lots of laughing, cheesy 90s tunes and dancing - best night for ages, everyone being in pyjamas was hilarious but also made everyone feel very relaxed.

Trainsong amazing list! Thank you ☺️

I play a drum in a ukelele band. There's something very primeval about banging a drum.... You can do it at home, to music, the band bit isn't obligatory.

@weegiemum your dog painted the fence blue?

I go to the beach, no matter the weather, it makes me feel better.
I collect seaglass, and I focus on it so much, I forget my worries for a while.
I say this as someone with serious depression, ptsd, and more.
Plus, it's free

I found these beauties today, in a torrent or rain

NorthEndGal those are beautiful. I love sea glass.

I've never seen sea glass before it's beautiful what is it?

Gosh that sea glass is lovely

I would have said wine. But now I'm starting to think it makes things worse for me. Even a glass and a bit.

Dawg walking helps me. Cuddling with the DCs.

Running. Especially in the countryside. I miss the countryside easily.

Change of scenery. Did that today. Dug the NT card out and lugged out some reluctant DCs. We've had two weeks of illness hanging around the house and not been out and about for ages, so I was not going to miss the joyful spring weather. Reluctant children soon changed to energetic romping, it's what we all needed!

north, that seaglass is beautiful! How do you find it? I live close to the sea, never seen it though. Do you give lessons?

I just found my old colouring in book and pencils whilst looking for a book to read in my bookshelf. Why did I put it there? Spent about an hour doing that.

I swim, run, do pilates and mindfulness, OP.

Dancing to music at home by myself
Playing ps4

Music
Masturbation
Martinis (espresso)

@itsbritneybiatches it's pieces of glass that have been smoothed and shaped by the water.

Gardening
Embroidery
Photography
Walking/cuddling the dog
Colouring books
Chatting with friends
Chocolate

Thanks everyone, it really is lovely, and the hunting is as enjoyable as the finds.
I hunt sea glass every day, just about, and I actually will be giving lessons starting in mid March, haha

Basically, you need to find an area with a combination on sand and stone, where the slope of the sea floor is not to deep, and the stones are naturally tumbled.
Searching old dump sites, ferry docks, wharves, fishing landings, etc are good areas, because where there are people, there is garbage (what the glass starts as)
Then you work with the tide, and look for any signs of glass. Sometimes you have to move rocks, or dig a bit

Walking outside, blue sky and sunshine ideal!

Watching netflix.

A nice meal from supermarket followed by some treats (bar of choc usually)

Bubble bath

Reading

.

RUN. As far as you can, as challenging as you can manage.

Music
Running
Playing with the dog