Little things that lift your mood

[BeBesideTheSea]

I am struggling at the moment with my depression. DH is very supportive, but doesn’t know what to do to help. I really need some little lifts for this weekend, rather than wallowing.

We used to head for the coast - always helped - but for practical reasons we can’t do that anymore.

So, fellow MNers, what gives you a little boost when you are feeling down?

Sorry you’re having a tough time

Depends what usually floats your boat.

For me quick pick me ups are a long bath, baking a chocolate cake or a massive pot of curry, chatting to my sister (lives abroad), starting a new book, online browsing for jewellery I’ll never be able to afford but can dream of, planning a holiday (that I’ll probably never take but no harm in make believe!), watching old favourite comedy tv - Friday night dinner, Brooklyn nine nine, fawlty towers

Hot bath and a chocolate orange 🙂

A really good box set. A todo list. New pyjamas.

Candlelit bath with bubbles, spa music and glass of wine.
Walks in natural beauty spots whilst wrapped up nice and warm.
Going out for a luxury brunch (eggs benedict, pancakes, whatever you fancy!)
Going for a massage
Exercise - I know this doesn’t seem like a treat but the feeling it gives you after is lovely
I also like to give myself a pamper by plucking eyebrows, facepack, etc.

Hope you feel better soon OP

Thanks @AnneLovesGilbert At the moment I just can’t think of anything that floats my boat - not that nothing would, just that I can’t bring anything to mind. That is why I am hoping to get some inspiration from others 😀

Baking sounds nice. I always like to make something ‘homely’. Though I mostly just make a mess!

I have just found Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas is on the TV. I wish I was that talented at crafts.

Fresh bed sheets & a good film
A fancy bit of cheese
A good series on netflix
An evening walk with the dog looking at the Christmas lights in town
Taking my cats hostage until they give in and sleep on the bed with me

I hope you manage to find some little things that cheer you up xxx

A walk in the woods
A visit to the donkey sanctuary and better still volunteering to help at the donkey sanctuary
Dropping pebbles into a stream and saying the things that are troubling me
Watching Dr Pimple Popper on Youtube yucky but fascinating
Watching flash mob dances on Youtube
A little pot of notes of positive things when they happen, to read at different times
Writing a diary
Voluntary work eg something v satisfying such as Activities in an old folks home or storytelling at the library or saving trees
Exercise of some sort walking, gym classes whatever

I second baking, it makes me feel good when other people enjoy what ive made

Im going to attempt Nigellas chocolate raspberry pavlova this week

In terms of thing that don't cost anything / much money....

1. A large glass of white wine!
2. Snuggling up on sofa / in bed and watching a movie
3. Chocolate
4. A nice walk in the fresh air (weather dependent)
5. Meeting up with a friend for a good old gossip
6. Clean bedsheets
7. Plucking eyebrows / painting nails / shaving legs etc. I feel more confident afterwards.

Hope you feel better soon OP xxxxx

Watching something funny? Either on the TV or - better, as it will get you out of the house - the cinema? If you haven't seen it already, Shaun the Sheep: Farmegeddon would be perfect.

Or gin

Oh yes. New pyjamas. I am hoping for some for Christmas, but maybe I will treat myself early.

And cheese. That is a great call. I like going to the cheese counter and getting 3 or 4 tiny slivers of cheese to have all to myself for lunch. The choosing is as nice as the eating.

Actually I have just remembered that freshly baked bread makes me happy - especially those part-baked rolls from the supermarket.

Thank you everyone. You are all so kind.

A really hot bubble bath.

Lighting a scented candle and turning the lights down low in the evening.

A walk outside.

A luxury hot chocolate or fancy coffee somewhere in town and sitting in the window people watching.

Doing a face mask or hair conditioning treatment.

I’ve been baking so long it’s my go-to when things are tough - bringing a bunch of different things together to make something delicious that I’ll eat if there’s nothing else I fancy, providing tasty food for anyone else around.

My husband is really ill at the moment and no one feels like cake so I’m cooking instead and today while feeling a bit caught up in my head and panicky I chopped a huge amount of veg, added a range of gorgeous spices and now have a vat of health-giving tasty soup. Making a big pot of something makes me feel like I’m doing what little I can.

I don’t know where you live but there’s a new restaurant in London which has a conveyer belt of cheeses. Like yo sushi but dairy

You could look it up and plan a visit when you’re feeling more yourself.

It’s the small things that help. Close your eyes, let your mind wander to happy things and picture how you’d feel a bit happier, more care free, like you’re doing something nice to cherish yourself.

Oh my! That cheese conveyer belt restaurant is amazing. Definitely worth a trip when I am more up to it!

www.thecheesebar.com/seven-dials/

short uninterrupted moments with some of my favourite people :)

unidivided attention is a rare and valuable commodity these days.

Putting my wellies on and stamping through puddles. Yes I’m nearly 40 but it never fails to make me smile! Hope you’re feeling brighter soon, OP.