If you’ve had a bit of a crap day how do you switch off and cheer yourself up?

[WhatGatsby]

Bit of work crap which is on-going and will hang over me for a while.

I’m fat so can’t eat junk. Went to an exercise class which was good but now it’s over I’m anxious and a bit sad again. Drinking a small beer but work again tomorrow so can’t get blotto. And watching Chernobyl which isn’t helping at all.

What’s a nice way to forget the crap and feel happy?

Read, generally something engaging but that I've read before. Whatever it is it has to not be too taxing when I am feeling fragile.

Walking, somewhere green.

Music, depends on my mood what I want to hear, but sometimes just having silence is most soothing.

Exercise, a DVD workout or a run.

Actually, surprisingly, cross stitch. It requires full concentration on my part so makes an excellent distraction.

I've had a prolonged period of work related high stress and anxiety (18 months+) and its set to continue. I've been honing my calming down skills and am getting better at it.

Bit of light weeding in the garden with a glass of wine in my other hand.

Being outdoors, whether that's in the garden or going for a walk.
A bubble bath and a good book.

Like a pp I cuddle my dog
If I’m fed up I sit on the bottom step and he knows I need a cuddle, he snuggles into me with his head on my shoulder and doesn’t move.

Watching something funny on TV (Mock the Week, Whose Line

I haven’t seen Whose Line is it anyway for about 20 years-is it still on?!

Would love to see that again.

I usually think "will I care about this in a week's time". Usually the answer is no, in which case I really try to put it from my mind.

If I am still worried, well maybe it is worth the worry! But depending on the time of day a cup of sweet tea or a glass of wine helps. Or going for a run.

I do suduko/wordsearch/crossword puzzles, something that will take my focus off of whatever has bothered me.

Mumsnet
Or watch something really good on TV

I could have written your opening post OP. I'm making small but nice plans for each weekend so I have something to look forward to each week. When things get difficult I can just focus on the nice plans I've made and remind myself that work is only a part of my life, not my whole life!

Reading or su doku on the bus home to help me switch off and make the transition from nurse to mummy and wife.
At home, very loud music if I on my own, reading.
Sometimes, I write it down in a long ranting stream of consciousness.

Give myself a facial and a lovely bubble bath.

Today has improved a smidgen. I will do lovely stuff all weekend.

Transition from busy noisy bright NHS place with lots of really unwell people to home, I go to see my horse to de-stress. It's quiet, sometimes dark. I look at the stars whilst he eats his feed. He talks to me "hurhurhurhur!" 🐴 I feel the fresh air in my face, and a sense of peace. Then I go home and share a pizza the size of a dustbin lid with youngest, then have a bath, and read in bed...

Sit in the sun
Do some gentle gardening

Being outside in good weather is just the business for one's mood

Have a good weekend op

I write things down so that I can completely clear my head.

Dogs.

They are so happy to see me it aways makes me happy too. Long walks help too.

Music and gaming.

I sometimes do a guided meditation (Headspace is brilliant), or go for a walk. Anything that takes my mind off it, and distracts me from the whirring is good.

I move.
Move, move, move.

Run and yoga. Utterly blissful.

I avoid baths and sitting if feeling a little blue. Get heart rate up, get outside. Move.

Then have really nice healthy colourful salad for dinner.

Then get cracking on jobs around the house that require movement.... cleaning, sorting etc. All with audio book In background.

And then.... flop in front of TV

Or

As above in terms of move move move!

But then meet a friend for lunch and go for a walk afterwards.

Both options work a treat. Although thankfully if I ever feel a little low, it’s only slight and usually because children at their dad’s and pass quickly once I do the above

Usually drink a G&T, soak in a bubble bath and read a book.

Cuddle my pets
Eat chocolate
Hot bath with nice body cream after
Paint toenails

OP I hope things have looked up by now.
I find half an hour working on a jigsaw, listening to a favourite CD, a good way to unwind.