How do you cheer yourself up without spending money?

[Notopel]

This January I’ve started to eat my unhappiness, turning to chocolate in the evenings as I’m so lonely and unhappy.

I can’t really think of any other way to cheer myself up atm. I don’t drink anymore and I can’t go anywhere as I’m a lone parent without a family network. Budget is really tight so I can’t afford a sitter and the cost of an activity. Things I used to enjoy like fancy bubble baths and new clothes are also off limits.

I come home from work, go through the motions of dinner/ homework etc and then end up stuffing the left over Christmas chocolates in my mouth as I disconsolately scroll through Netflix looking for anything to watch.

I’m not hungry, I’m just looking for something to fill that aching emptiness.

Looking for suggestions of what everyone else is going to stop them eating their feelings.

Hi Hopi,
[ flowers] i’m feeling the same way at the moment. I feel like I’m caught in a rut and it’s very difficult to get out of. This month has been very, very tough. I will have to try some ideas on here with you… I already speak so many languages, I really don’t have much energy now to learn anymore… And I can’t concentrate very much on reading… I just deactivated my Facebook, so hopefully some of the stress from there What is gone now will help me a bit…

And there is dictation for you… I was trying to put flowers… And I was trying to say 0P.

Op it's such a hard time of year. Most people feel this is without your additional issues.

Groupon have amazing photo book deals, literally 40 page books for under a 10 even with postage.. So perhaps have a background project like that on the the go...

Something productive, tackle one drawer, one messy area of house.

Something like Netflix...

And then book time.

Break it up into time table cot yourself.

Good luck it's such a difficult time.

I’m probably the worst person to answer this!

But I’ll try anyway.

I’m also a single mum and that stage when dc are in bed quite early and you’re stuck home can be really tough.

Do you have anyone or even better a few people who don’t mind having a good blether on the phone? Elderly relatives are often also in of an evening and many welcome the chance of a chat too. It’s at this stage I was talking to my grans and aunties a lot and was very grateful for “modern” landline call plans which meant calls under an hour were free (we used to set timers and then hang up and call back again, conversations lasting 2-3 hours not uncommon. We’d even watch favourite tv shows “together” by having th subtitles on and discussing the plots etc in ad breaks) I’m actually really glad I did that since both grans have since passed and I’m not left feeling guilty I didn’t take time for them. They also LOVE hearing about the dc.

If you were my friend I’d be more than happy for you to call for a good blether.

Pps suggestions of learning something a good idea too. I was at uni for part of the time when Dd was this stage and it definitely helped having assignments and reading I needed to do to keep me busy.

Adult colouring and now there’s also adult dot to dot which can be quite challenging.

I also knit, cross stitch and occasionally paint (though I’m crap at it!) keeps hands occupied it’s hard to eat and knit!

For a mood boost - stand up comedy! There’s loads on prime and Netflix and I think even on catch up apps

There are loads of phone games and apps of course but when I really need distracting I find quiz ones the best I play quiz up loads

Music! Sing and dance! And you can still use food but research a really nice new recipe that will have you concentrating on technique etc., for an hour. And go for a lovely walk after, shower, pjs book in bed. Ahhh, heaven.

Hiit dvd really cheers me up. Reading, drawing, painting, eating nice fruits like pineapple, mango, plums and grapes.

Money never really puts me in a good mood. I’m not a great lover of ‘things’.
Swimming in the sea regardless of weather or time of year. Jumping cold waves never fails. Walking by the sea, if no time to swim or it’s too rough.
Walking the dog. He’s daft and makes me laugh.
A long soak in a hot bath by candlelight.
A bottle of wine over super, with friends.
Singing in the car.
Flowers.
Speaking to the children.

Forgot church. Sung evensong, a folk Mass, Taize evening. Good sacred music.

I read, study, work out, tidy, watch a box set episode of something, potter and collapse into bed by 10.

It's definitely worth studying if you have the time. I've somehow amassed 5 different professional qualifications while a single parent. Just finished the latest one and am appreciating the newly found spare time.

Our local church offers lots of things to do in the week which are free including lunches. It might not be your thing but they are welcoming and don't ram religion, but can offer friendship

Knitting/embroidery can be good. If you have the money to invest in a sewing machine it can be fun and will help you save money in the long run.

Spending money brings me little pleasure.

I love to potter about in the garden, raking and tidying at this time of year. Organising my tools, sorting out cupboards, filling bags for charity shops. I do have gym membership- but local council, so cheap, I go there 4 or 5 times a week.
I like trying new recipes, doing craft, making things.
I live next to woods and a river- a short walk picks me up in no time.
I love a scented bath, listening to uplifting music on you tube, light myself a candle, I draw, write and meditate.

Spending money is very low on my list if I need cheered up.
I have enough "stuff".

whispers I like doing jigsaws!

When it gets a bit warmer you could do a bit in garden if you have one. If not plant bulbs into contain er.

Bake a cake and ice. You can learn to make icing flower s and things to top it off nicely.

Learn to knit or crochet.
Use UTube.

Mindfulness colouring is supposed to be therapeutic. The Works do books for £2.

I like jigsaw puzzles. Also Sudoko or crosswords.

Go for a walk. I love walking along beach if near to one but canals, rivers good too.

Go swimming. Take child with you if no childcare.

Write a letter to a friend. It is great getting a letter back through the post.

Binge on box sets, snuggled up on sofa with hot water bottle and blanky.

THIS!!! Every...time!! It’s my fave type of “me time” cheers me up EVERY time!! Bliss!!

My absolute favourite bubble bath is Imperial Leather Marshmallow, it’s £1 for a big bottle in Boots, smells delicious, and gives loads of bubbles. I got a stack of Molton Brown stuff for Christmas and can’t wait to get back to the cheap and cheerful!