Tell me about your tiny pleasures please.

[GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal]

I'm struggling enough with staying positive atm, and January is likely to be horrendous. I am trying to think of as many little things as I can that will bring me pleasure, to try and help me through it.

They need to be really tiny, because I don't have the mental energy to make any major changes to my life; and preferably not food-related, because while the temptation to comfort-eat is definitely there, getting overweight will just depress me more.

So far I've got:

• Books. I used to read a lot but these days I'm always on my phone instead. Going to try and stop that and read more instead.
• Soft blankets. Sounds silly but there is something very comforting about wrapping myself up in a cosy blanket, preferably with a good book.
• Fresh flowers. I figure a once a week lovely bouquet that will make me smile when I see it is a worthwhile investment.

I'd love to hear some other suggestions please.

I also like a cheapy face mask (£1 usually in boots) you can tell we are on a budget, but you gotta get your little joys somewhere!

I liked reading but my eyesight stared getting poor ( it's never been great ) so I got myself Audible so I can listen to books .

I turn all the big lights off , just have either candles or a table lamp on.
A glass of something nice , and either a few ( one of each flavour) of my fave chocolates, or some cheese & crackers .
I only have a few/ bit and take a long time eating them .

Having my cat lay next to me purring also helps

Loose tea in a China cup with a saucer
Homemade cake
Just sitting in silence for 10 minutes
A bacon butty with proper bread and butter
Walking in the rain - well anytime, but the rain is my favourite time

Magnificent cat @GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal

A lovely long soak in the bath with a face mask on with lavender bath wash.

Fresh bed linen.

Reading in bed. Listening to podcasts.

Drinking tea watching the snow.

BBC Sounds (no i don't work for them!) I like history documentaries but there's everything you could ask for on there. I have a search and find something new or something familiar, music or a story.

Getting into bed with fresh linen.

If you've got a fountain pen, spending ages looking at all the many many different colours of ink you can get for it! I have spent far too much money on inks and ink samples :)

Birds 🐦 Feed birds in your garden or park.

I have a onesie. A very fluffy one with a hood and bear ears.

I’m 6ft tall and overweight.

I look ridiculous but it’s so cosy, it brings me joy.

Getting up early, making a cup of black coffee with the good instant (azera, yes I know Nestle are the devil but I can't find anything nearly as good) then getting straight back into bed with that and a book.

My walk to work along a riverbank. The birds, the water, the sky all lift my heart and make me smile. I know you may not be able to replicate this exactly, but a walk in nature always helps.

I love reading kids books and watching kids tv. Currently watching the demon headmaster with my 10 and 8 year olds. Also love novelty earrings, the weirder the better. There are loads on etsy for about £5 each and I have a pair that look like a tiny packet of wotsits.

Upgrading undies - I'm usually a pack of 5 or 7 for £7 in tesco but splashed out on a pack that are 3 for £16..and then bought another 2 packs so I can wear good knickers every day!

Good T shirts...jigsaw £25 from John Lewis - that's a huge upgrade for me and they feel gorgeous all day.

A really good insulated cup for long cold dog walks.

Planning meals and shopping so I don't think about it last minute. My day is just better when I know what's for dinner and when I need to start cooking

Heated car seat - my best friend bought me one for Christmas last year and it sits on top of my seat in the car and plugs into the cigarette lighter.

Clean sheets and clean PJ's and clean hair - if that happens on the same day then I'm totally winning at life!

Yoga - in the studio where I can totally relax, no one can call me and I'm not in charge. Oh and the stretching is nice too.

Jigsaw from a charity shop, they're only a pound or two, and have the added jeopardy that they may have missing pieces.
Buy a houseplant and tend to it.
On sunny days, sit outdoors for a bit (even if you're wrapped in layers of woollies to do it).
When you see a rainbow or a lovely sunset, take a photo on your phone and look at it when you need picking up.
Buy some chocolate coins and give one coin to someone who needs a smile.
Award yourself a sticker, and wear that sticker proudly!

Sometimes I drink my tea out of a cappuccino mug and it makes it feel very luxurious. (Hey you asked for tiny!) It really does make me smile. Or take the time to make it in a pot, not just a tea bag in the cup. Lovely.

Remembering to our hand cream on before bed, and generally administering a little self care. But not too much because then I feel pressure to maintain, which I don't, so then I feel down about it. So when I remember, that is enough and it feels good.

I tint my eyebrows regularly and that gives me a little boost.

I have worn perfume every single day since the first lockdown began. Not sure if the dog appreciates it!

A cup of coffee in bed before the kids wake up is honestly the best!

Decent silicone based hand cream, good quality hot beverage of choice (I am currently enjoying Twinings Swiss cocoa), a colouring book or even better, print outs of colouring pages of your favourite art, a subscription to something you enjoy (I'm with Papergang atm as I adore stationery and I am a keen penpaller). I wish you all the best op, I have had to seek comfort in this way too x

Radio 4 comedy programmes
Adrian Chiles on 5 live. I don't know what it is about him, I just find him very soothing.

What I have learned in lockdown is that I like pottering around on my own listening to spoken word radio. Sadly not an option at the time!

Entering the lottery
Entering a competition
Using a nice shower gel
Wearing fluffy socks
Going for a walk
Browsing charity shops
Lighting a candle
Using a nice perfume or body spray
Buying someone a small treat like a cake from a bakery or some chocolate
Having a bath, shaving and exfoliating
Buying new underwear
Putting makeup on

January knowing I can save again will keep me going it really will.

I like exfoliating my face and applying a face mask
A nice long hot bath
Clean bed sheets
A candle if you've got one burning somewhere/anywhere

These are the daily activities that I know help me feel better:

Mental challenge ( Spanish lesson, sudoku, crossword)
Physical activity ( you tube video, walk)
Getting outdoors! ( walk, garden)
Creativity ( knit, colour, paint, play instrument)
Cooking or baking!

Watching something funny on TV