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Tell me about your tiny pleasures please.

112 replies

GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 17/12/2021 16:32

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.

OP posts:
Tiramesu · 17/12/2021 21:42

Putting up a bird feeder and sitting in th ga den quietly with a hot drink, watching the birds

MintJulia · 17/12/2021 21:52

That first few minutes when I climb into bed after ds has gone to sleep.

Stretch out, cool cotton sheets, relax and know I don't have to move again for hours. Smile Bliss

HeronLanyon · 17/12/2021 21:54

mrs nice idea. Dp and I were having a convo about our good times this year and I’m sure we forgot some.

TheCanyon · 17/12/2021 21:57

This puzzle book fills my heart with joy. Can't buy it in our town though sadly. My mum bought me it as a subscription for my 30th Grin

Tell me about your tiny pleasures please.
ColdTattyWaitingForSummer · 17/12/2021 22:04

Reading.. using an e-reader helps, because you can just download a book with one click, zero effort involved.
Crochet.. I binge crime or medical dramas on Netflix or prime, while working on my latest project.. knitting or sewing would work just as well.
A hot water bottle.
Doing my nails.. I got one of those at home gel nail thingies with some birthday money, and I love it.. they don’t chip or smudge, and make me smile whenever I look at them.
A nice scented candle.
A plant or flowers.. doesn’t have to be expensive, I currently have a lovely poinsettia.

ColdTattyWaitingForSummer · 17/12/2021 22:13

Oh and.. playing along to quiz shows and beating the contestants!
I’ve also been enjoying watching cheesy Christmas movies this month Xmas Grin
Bedtime when I don’t have to set an alarm for tomorrow morning.
HelloFresh boxes (I don’t work for them! I just find it takes the mental pressure off of meal planning every so often, and I enjoy the chance to cook a bit out of my comfort zone.)

OfMinceAndMen · 17/12/2021 22:17

A nice bit of Zoflora down all of the toilets and plug holes for a lovely fresh smell when you walk through the front door!
Wine out of a fancy glass.
Topping up the bird feeder with peanuts and watching the birds.
Planning gardening jobs for next spring.

bubblebath62636 · 17/12/2021 22:18

DH's penis

😂😂

tillyandmilly · 17/12/2021 22:22

Gorgeous 🐈

batmanladybird · 17/12/2021 22:25

@Wormsarecool

Entering competitions always gives me a boost. I’ve won some lovely prizes but it’s the waiting, wishing and wondering that gives me the lift I need.
Any tips for this?
Gillypip · 17/12/2021 23:00

Doing a jigsaw.
Get an adult colouring book
Setting yourself a task and getting it done.
Cook your favourite meal.
Watch the sun set.
Watch your favourite uplifting movie
Go for a walk

Keep your chin up.... Each day has new possibilities 💌

steelrose · 17/12/2021 23:07

Making the most of any sunshine, going out for a walk or pottering in the garden.
Hot drinks, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, hot toddies, mulled wine, rubens.
Buttery crumpets
Electric diffuser for continuous lovely scents
Weigted blanket
Cosy socks
Magazines
Listening to the radio in the morning
Afternoon nap or film
Daytime baths
Staying away from social media

Other things that make me feel better require effort:
Clean and tidy home (Organised Mum Method is great for this)
Keeping on top of grooming

Doghairismyglitter · 17/12/2021 23:26

I love love love reading but always used to find I’d get distracted by time wasting on my phone, now I leave my phone in a separate room of an evening.. have since found my evenings far more relaxing as I am fully engrossed in a good book/tv show

PeggyGa · 18/12/2021 03:13

Gravity blanket

Borisjohnsonshairbrush · 18/12/2021 05:18

All of these... absolutely all.

Oh and Iceland's TGI Friday range. I make myself a mini buffet all the time.

GromblesofGrimbledon · 18/12/2021 05:31

A drive into the hills to walk in the snow with a flask of something hot.

When the Aurora app on my phone pings late in the evening and Mr Grimbledon and I throw on clothes and boots and go on an adventure in the van to see if we can see the lights.

Walking on the beach at night with Mr Grimbledon and Grimbledon Junior in his sling.

A new bar of Dove soap.

Feeding prawns to my cat.

House plants hanging at the kitchen window.

Picking a few wildflowers in spring and summer and bringing them home to put in a wee vase.

A game of scrabble in a quiet pub.

A jug of ice water with sliced cucumber.

Lighting candles in the evening.

Fairy lights around the fireplace.

WineAway · 18/12/2021 05:32

Going into a church & just sitting for a few minutes

I’m an atheist but I enjoy the peace

CorsicaDreaming · 18/12/2021 05:50

Super cat @GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal - stroking your cat would be top of my list! 😆

Ulysses · 18/12/2021 06:17

This is such a lovely thread. I'm going through a bit of a time of it but life is so much better when you can enjoy small pleasures.

Dancingsmile · 18/12/2021 07:53

Homemade late. Heat the milk in a saucepan and use a whisk to get it creamy.
A pretty new mug
Buy a magazine
Plant some bulbs in a pot
Put bird food out
Listen to a mindfulness app
Make a hedgehog run and a place they can sleep
Do a cross stitch

GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 18/12/2021 08:00

@CorsicaDreaming

Super cat *@GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal* - stroking your cat would be top of my list! 😆

Thank you - unfortunately he's a bit grumpy and will only tolerate a little stroking before he bites! He does like to sit on me, though, provided I don't assume that means I can touch him.

I haven't bought a magazine in years, I might try that. And I do like a nice mug, so I might treat myself to a couple.

OP posts:
InMySpareTime · 18/12/2021 08:03

@Dancingsmile

Homemade late. Heat the milk in a saucepan and use a whisk to get it creamy. A pretty new mug Buy a magazine Plant some bulbs in a pot Put bird food out Listen to a mindfulness app Make a hedgehog run and a place they can sleep Do a cross stitch
I originally read "make a hedgehog run and a place they can sleep" as if you were chasing them to exhaustion, and thought it was a bit cruel, then reread it and realised you meant a safe route for hedgehogs!
Tarne · 18/12/2021 08:14

Rummaging through the discounted fruit and veg section to make one jar of jam, curd or chutney in a microwave. So quick and easy. Add a pretty label and paper or fabric lid cover.

Make tiny flower, berry and twig arrangements according to the season in a little clay pot from a charity shop.

Use left over house paints to create beautiful art work. Add sand or small stones or broken bits of jewellery for added effect.

Take home discounted, wilting potted plants and herbs and divide and replant and watch them thrive!

Volunteer online- so many people need our help and are worse off than you- try dementia buddies, Blue cross pet bereavement counselors, and if you are able- Samaritans etc.

Going for a run.

Helping out dog walking at your local rescue centre, offer to help muck out at your local Riding for Disabled- guaranteed to make firm friends with a healthy, active, warm and friendly group of people of all ages.

Join a book group.

See where COVID vaccination centres need volunteer help.

Make bread.

Use a long life candle diffuser.

Make a cup of tea in a pretty China teapot and cup and saucer. Tastes so much better!

Create beauty in all your spaces however small. Tidy up your drawers so when you open them every thing is folded nicely with a nice scented soap to keep things fresh, or spray your favourite perfume onto a cotton wool pad enclosed in tissue.

Join a walking or running group called the Hash Harriers, they have member groups all over the world.

Consider becoming a Shared Lives host where you are matched with someone who needs a little helping hand.

Foster a dog or cat or another animal.

Always smile at yourself when looking in the mirror.

Fast.

Make your own Christmas and birthday cards.

There are so many ways to bring joy into our lives that cost nothing and are still within ( or not far from) our comfort zones.

GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 18/12/2021 08:22

That really made me chuckle, @InMySpareTime, thank you!! 😆

OP posts:
Ikeabag · 18/12/2021 10:09

Something I like to do is mooch on Fragrantica (perfume website/forum), find perfumes I like the sound of just by bumbling about and look on ebay to see whether there are samples of them for sale. It's inexpensive and I love smells! I really missed fancy perfume counters when I couldn't get to them before, and now my favourite department store is closed down, so this gives me an alternative.