CBT adviser gave me a list of ‘simple wins’ so if I feel low I can pick one off the list to do.
Nearly 200 activities ranging from ‘have a shower’ to ‘mountain climbing’ so something for every level of ability/mood/cost.
I appreciate it because sometimes a low can hit that robs even the ability to think of what to do, so having the list is a good way to circumvent that.
She also encouraged me to add my own things to it so it’s more personalised.
It now can boost my mood just reading the silly things that I have tried that helped in the past, even without actually doing anything more! And builds my confidence that I am willing, and capable, of helping myself.
Maybe start your own list? It might be music as above or smelling flowers in the garden or cuddling a pet or learning something new - think of things you have already done that made you smile in the past & write them down so if a low hits you have a ready-made personal cheer-me-up list.
This, alongside a list of numbers to call if I need outside help, is like my mental health first aid kit - and every bit as useful, if not more so!