How do you "treat" yourself if you don't use food?

[BridlingtonSand]

I don't smoke, drink or do drugs. If I'm having a tough day I use chocolate or Diet Coke to 'treat' myself. I have, once again, quit Diet Coke.

I don't want to turn to either of these again, so what do you healthy, sorted people do when you're having a tough day at work? Or your train is delayed and you're cold and tired and want to be at home? Or you're feeling sad?

Sometimes, I’d I’ve had a really shit day and am determined not to open the wine when I get home, I find someone posting ignorant, hate filled shite on Twitter and gently dismantle their nonsense with facts.
I’m always polite and I try and be kind. It’s enormously satisfying

Working on this too, useful thread!

Pinterest is quite good on “self care” ideas. And fun in general.

I am not at all athletic but really like exercise so make regular time for that - the DC now actively encourage this! Group fitness now my favourite, or if outdoors or at gym often listen to podcasts.

Nice smellies, books, TV shows, with a hot drink. Colouring pens for doodling, naice stationery for work.

Would really, really like a cat for myself and the DC, but sadly not sensible at the moment to have one!

For train commutes, highly recommend a good book or podcast, healthy snack , a commuter thermal cup - Contigo Westloop pricey but best IME - and “keep cup” for the odd purchased hot drink.

My sibling can’t be without their mini charger booster pack for kindle/phone!

I think you can get ebooks from most libraries these days so you wouldn’t have to go in but I confess I’m not quite sure how it works.

speaking as someone currently binge eating to control anxiety/depression I think the probably is that ramming your system full of sugar does actually improve mood...albeit temporarily.

If people have other less dangerous mood effectors then I would be glad to hear about them....

Thanks BridlingtonSand - great thread, it's definitely something that I'm trying to get out of the habit of.

Re: magazines. I have a Readly digital magazine subscription, lots to choose from (much more than Amazon Prime and incl kids magazines which i find are extortionate to buy in print) for £8 a month, sometimes they have sub offers on and i think you can get quudco/topcashback on it.

Personally I have to keep physically busy, so if I'm watching a film or documentary I have to knit/crochet/cross stitch otherwise I get restless and more likely to snack.

Also been doing lots of DIY after the kids have gone to bed - its a lot like exercise though - I have to motivate myself to get cracking especially as the rooms I'm doing are quite cold! I stick my headphones on and listen to either TED talk or spooky ghosty stuff

Also love looong hot baths when I get the chance, I have a lot of family so I'm usually browsing for bargain birthday presents or browsing knitting/crochet website Ravelry.

@BridlingtonSand for me, its a hot bubble bath with my spotify relaxing music playlist on in the background, candles, face mask, hair mask. Painting my nails and freshly washed Pjs that you can still smell the fabric conditioner on and fresh bedding!

get into bed and binge on Netflix!

I've just accidentally changed my plans for tonight now after reading what I've put, Hubby is out with his old school friends and i was going to deep clean the house. not anymore!!!

m3lom Been there done that, it doesn’t help, can be hard to break - found Brain Over Binge book quite helpful. When I eat meals with lots of veg and avoid bingeing/ restricting food it does seek to help with MH.

I’m surprised no one has said masturbation? Unless I’ve missed it? Nothing better when needing a pick me up. And can pair nicely with the sleep/bath options

I sort of did in a round about way. Does work a treat though. Xx