What nice things have people done for their mental health/ general happiness?

[Fatherliamdeliverance]

Hi!

I've been experiencing a bit of a rough patch, and have been looking for nice things to do to pick myself up.

I've signed up to a walking club for next week which I've never done alone (in a new area and have been feeling quite isolated), plus a discussion group about ethics and applied for a part time job. Also just had a lovely weekend with a good friend.

I'm now feeling a lot happier having things to look forward to!

What kinds of things have others been doing/ planning to take care of themselves?

I started embroidery again. I don’t have to see anyone to do it and the end result is pleasing.

Also joined a walking group where the focus is on being outside in nature. Began to learn to play a musical instrument- challenging but requires mindfulness. Love to cook, and as we enter Feb-Mar start up seedlings from the seeds I collected in autumn. I sometimes read or binge watch as a way to quieter my mind. Currently doing some volunteering. Over the years, it’s given me back so much more, which I really wasn’t expecting. Do short term stints of 2-3 months so it doesn’t overwhelm me.

I love the sound of that discussion group, OP.

I joined a bootcamp - an hour three times a week in the fresh air, whatever the weather - as the sun gently rises or sets and the leaves turn. I love how it connects me with the seasons and I'm getting fitter.

Yoga - I love the way it connects mind and body through breath and relaxation, and love that stretchy, balanced strength from it.

Kayaking - being out on the water, watching the world go by, whether it's a wave from a friendly boatman or river islander, or a heron coming over to check us out. So peaceful.

Also feeding wild animals - birds, hedgehogs, foxes.

I also believe in making the most of small things: a really good cup of coffee in the morning, a scented bath at night, candles and flowers etc.

These sound like some lovely things, theres so much pleasure in learning or practicing a skill like an instrument or embroidery. Also being outside in nature really helps a lot

Changed my phone number (contract was up & changed to a new provider).

I have only given the number to those who I would actually want to speak to. Lessens the anxiety of the phone ringing.

@CoffeeRunner

Changed my phone number (contract was up & changed to a new provider).

I have only given the number to those who I would actually want to speak to. Lessens the anxiety of the phone ringing.

I would love to do this

Long walks. Not got round to joining the gym but that's next on my list.

Eating healthy. I felt awful for the best part of this year, so GP ran some tests and two things in bloods flagged up as abnormal. So I've been having to get them repeated every 4 weeks since April (they weren't abnormal enough to justify a referal he said). This month they finally came back okay and I believe it's to do with cutting out crap and eating lots of fruit/veg.

Forgot to add its done wonders for my mental health!

I’ve booked a creative writing course.

That's great twentin ! I need to do the same really. I think it'll be new year now for my diet but it does feel good once you get going. Plus I think a dry(ish- couple of big birthdays) January and possibly Feb for me.

coffeerunner that sounds really liberating. I totally understand the urge to do that.

kylie sounds a great idea

The best thing in my mind is not to procrastinate, if bills need paying or finances need sorting out then do it. There is nothing worse for mental health to realise everything is behind.
I make dollshouses, all scales. Its so relaxing and I can lose myself for hours, also embroidery and tapestry and I always have a cat.

Decorated etc in the house
I think the phrase 'tidy house tidy mind' does apply to me. It's not a miracle cure obviously but it does go so far to making me feel a bit better

Very simple, but burning essential oils all the time I'm at home. I feel it has really made a difference, my MH is usually very flat at this time of year.

Paddleboarding
Got a dog
Got a weighted blanket to sleep under
Volunteered for our village social commitee

I have found making playlists on Alexa and reading children's books both boost my mood.

@Shehasadiamondinthesky

The best thing in my mind is not to procrastinate, if bills need paying or finances need sorting out then do it. There is nothing worse for mental health to realise everything is behind. I make dollshouses, all scales. Its so relaxing and I can lose myself for hours, also embroidery and tapestry and I always have a cat.

Big yes to not procrastinating! I had a backlog of stuff to do for my course, stopped procrastinating and got a really good chunk of it out of the way today. I feel so much calmer and more optimistic. Your dollshouses sound beautiful. What a lovely thing to make

I’ve started doing yoga classes twice a week. Yoga has really helped me. It’s a very small class, which is nice. It’s been more helpful than I thought it would be.

I also learned about Hygge and that’s helped me to actually enjoy the seasons rather than dreading the winter. That has helped my mental health a lot.