Things that can cheer you up in 10 Minutes

[Pancakepipsqueak]

I am going through a very low depressive period of my life and I don’t want to bore everyone with the details but I wondered if anyone had any things they can do in under an hour that can lift you, even if it’s just to get through the day.

so far I can only think of:
a nice coffee (standing in the garden if there’s a bit of sun)
listening to some good music (preferably very loud to block out the noise in my head)

any tips from anyone to add to my
arsenal?

• Look at the buds on the trees, bulbs coming up both a sign of better times to come

• I saw frog spawn this week - with a frog near it - that made me happy. I'm going to revisit that area in the next few weeks to see it develops.

• Doing something kind for someone or volunteer your services

Just a few ideas on the spur of the moment.

Change out of scruffs and go for a walk.
Smile, someone is always worse off than you.

Going for a walk definitely. But if not enough time then a listen to Lovely Rita Meter Maid by The Beatles always cheers me right up no end.

Cuddle a very purry cat.

A walk in the rain is uplifting. You don't meet many people, plus the ones you do meet don't want to talk.

I drove past a field full of daffodils this morning and it really brightened my mood. I love looking at all the flowers and blossoms popping up this time of year.

Read a few chapters of a Jenny Colgan novel. Her writing is so funny and uplifting.

Things that work for me,

Meditation (this has helped me so much)
A walk in nice surroundings
Playing with or cuddling my animals
Exercise
Listening to music
Playing an instrument
Making a nice meal or baking a cake

I hope you’re feeling much better soon. I know you said you don’t want to talk about it, but sometimes that can help too. Do you have anyone for support?

Dance. Put on nice scent. Laugh. Read a bit of your favourite book. Eat something nice. Cuddle someone or a pet.

A walk always while listening to some old pop songs - I have a play list for this! I also get dressed for this wear a nice hoodie or scarf or my fav trainers. May even stop for a latte on the way depending on how I feel.

Take a moment to make someone else's day. Compliment a neighbour on their flowers. Let the postman know how much you appreciate them. Thank someone sincerely for great service in a shop or cafe. Or send a friend a supportive message.

Thank you for your ideas. I’m going to spend some time tonight writing them down for reference.
I think this is just a cloudy rainy season for me. It’s the anniversary of my son’s death tomorrow. I am currently in the process of trying to cut someone out of my life as as good as we can be and I love them very much, we have very toxic times regularly and there doesn’t seem to be a way to stop it happening. I am very nostalgic for the relationship I had with my children’s father, that I ended in a fit of post partum depression and there’s no going back for either of us and I accept that but as the relationship I am currently in is ending, I can’t help but reflect.
thank you, mumsnet folks x

I'm so sorry for the difficult time you're having.

Short term, I find listening to birds this time of year is very uplifting. It reminds me that the better weather and lighter days are well on their way. If you can go outside to do it, that's ideal, but if not just open your windows and have a coffee and a biscuit.

Longer term, I'd strongly recommend counselling - I found that just being able to speak to someone helped massively. It was like by saying my thoughts out loud passed some of them to someone else. There was nothing I could do to change things, so why not let someone else hold onto them for me? You could find a counsellor that you like, then try to arrange a few sessions around the times that you find hardest

Yes to smile.

I was dying of tiredness yesterday and did five minutes of a workout, surprisingly did feel better for it. I would normally not bother for such a short amount of time.

@LivingForPinkGin wow, a field of daffodils, you have to post a picture pleaseeeeee

A walk outside
Spending 10 mins with my teen dd - her practical and grounded approach to life always lightens my mood

Journaling all your thoughts and feelings can be cathartic... Write like no one will read it. Get all those feeling thoughts anger pain sadness on paper.

So sorry to hear this OP.

I find ear buds with music helps.

A walk outside.

And tidying a drawer/ cupboard
It can be absorbing and the achievement is quite cathartic. Your mind focuses on what you're doing.

Onwards OP

Before your update I was going to suggest keeping a “gratitude” journal. Maybe not right now but in a wee while? Each day put 3 things in that have made you happy, maybe having that nice coffee, going for a walk, reading something funny on SM or Mumsnet - some of the threads in Classics are very funny, a wee chocolate treat, chatting with a friend, listening to your favourite music, yoga or mindfulness session ( online), a favourite TV programme or whatever makes you happy. Then when you are having a difficult day read through it for 10 mins just to remind you that there are good things in your life that bring you joy.

Omg. I didn't read your update. I feel absolutely terrible. I'm so sorry OP.

A puppy or kitten. Any small furry animal. Instant serotonin.

@Stugs its ok! No teens - he would have been 4 now. I’m so glad you have that with your daughter. I hope I can have it too with mine. She’s 2.5 and although it’s hard she makes my world light up.

Birds have been scientifically discovered to lift people's mood. Watching them and hearing them is good for us.

Sorry for what you're going through OP

Have you got a garden op? Even a few pots can bring joy. Never knew I would rely on my plants to plump up my mh.

@Bunnyhascovidnoteggs i do - I have a flower bed, a planter and a couple of pots. It’s tidy at the moment and I’m hoping it can be a spring and summer meditation to work on it.