Small ways to improve your MH that aren’t exercise?

[imalittlethrowaway]

I’ve read a few of these threads and exercise is always the top thing that people suggest, but it doesn’t work for me. I don’t feel happy or better after doing it no matter what I do or for how long (for example completed the C25k over 5 months and made not a jot of difference to my mental health). Please don’t suggest that I just haven’t found the right thing for me yet as that’s not the case, it just simply doesn’t work for me!

So what other things can one do to improve MH?

Also in the nice weather breakfast outside,listening to the birds instead of the him if traffic.

I keep a few pots of fragrant herbs just outside the back door, so if I feel anxious or stressed I can just step outside, crush a few leaves and breathe for a couple of minutes. I like any sort of mint, lemon thyme...I've even got a curry plant though I don't know what good that is!
I have a really pretty cup and saucer with a matching small teapot and make a ritual of drinking a pot of peppermint tea.
I paint my toe nails in the brightest possible colour to cheer me whenever I look down.
I always have a go-to 'piss off world' 'happy song' on my phone as well some relaxing music.
Piss off world song at the moment is Brimful of Asha ('we don't care about no government warning'), and the relaxing one is Why Worry by Dire Straits.
(May I point out I do worry government warnings and have stuck rigidly to lockdown, which is probably why I need all these stress busters.)

I've probably totally outed myself to family and neighbours who have been listening to me for weeks yelling '....we don't care about no government warning...' 😄

I hear you OP. The only thing that helps me is sitting in the garden and taking in nature. Being grateful, stop comparing.
I also read a lot and use it as escapism.
If all else fails I just think it is what it is...

Something that you have always loved! What did you love as a child? Do something like that.

For me: art, walking, yoga, meditation, singing loudly in the car

Oh and weirdly, I like painting all my fingernails different colours. Looking at them like that makes me happy. Not for everyone, I guess!

Practising gratitude.

I buy things, which is a terrible habit

[quote monkeyonthetable]@merryhouse - I like the sound of grapefruit shower gel - where is that from?[/quote]
I know you didn't ask me but I like the one from the body shop!