Little things that make you happy

[biscuitdunkerette]

Feeling pretty meh at the moment. Darkness, cold etc. I feel pretty drained from many months of providing support to others, and want to fill my own cup a bit. Otherwise I’m in danger of drifting into proper sadness. I already take anti depressants (low dose).

Normally going out a walk perks me up but the winter blues are proving strong this year.

What do you do for a mini lift?

I struggle with low mood especially this time of year. Little things are making a milky hot chocolate, I have some pastel coloured fairy lights around my window that make me smile when they are on, sitting by the windows when the sun does make a brief appearance, making cupcakes or jam tarts and eating them warm.

My daughter (grown up), has a horse. Although I don't ride, I will often go and spend time with the horse and do all her yard duties for her. Gives me a lovely sense of achievement that I've helped my dd and I find him so peaceful (although all he sees me is treat lady).

Can you afford a visit to a Spa? Even a couple of hours in a spa pool makes me happy. I found an afternoon with afternoon tea local to me, snuck off and had a great afternoon

Get into nature. Visit a farm or nature centre. Feed some goats and ducks.

Start gardening.

I like seeing dogs passing by on their walks.

Watching birds on our bird feeder.

Warm cookies 🙂

Having a cup of tea on the sofa with my husband. We chat aimlessly about everything while feeling all snug and cosy

Filling the bird feeders then watching the birds and squirrels compete for the best bits

Lying in bed with a good book and my kitties snuggled up against me

We've had a lot of dark weather this autumn (and most of last year tbh) but I go out and walk in it regardless, and when the sun does shine I take a photo while I'm out. That way when I scroll through my pictures I see lots of blue skies and sun, which keeps things in perspective.

So the weekend was storm Bert and today is Storm Conall but yesterday was this:

I like to do an 'everything' shower when I feel a bit blah- shave everything, exfoliate every bit of me to within an inch of its life, double condition my hair, use my fancy products that I save for 'best'. Then a top to toe moisturise, and blow dry and straighten my hair (I never usually do that).

Effort, but makes me feel silky smooth afterwards.

Still go out for a walk. It's worth just forcing yourself sometimes as the fresh air and exercise has so many benefits.
You may want to go somewhere quiet and peaceful with lots of nature or you may want to go somewhere busy with lights, coffee and people. Choose somewhere that works for you.

Get some multi vits and vit d

Make yourself nice nourishing food and hot drinks and watch easy tv or read an easy book

Listen to music

Light a scented candle.

I always get a little lift when I'm driving somewhere and see one of those really old adverts actually painted on buildings... like for 'Bile Beans', or 'Oxo' and often they have the actual prices on there too ('only 1d' or whatever etc). Just so sweet and quaint.

Edited to add, you asked for things to do, rather than random spottings- sorry!

Awww, you are a proud horse grandmother 💕 my teenage daughter loves horses and rides once a week at the local stables. She has been doing this for about 10 years now and it makes me happy watching her and seeing how far she is progressing with her riding.
Also a hot bath with nice smelling products, a glass of wine followed by a netflix binge makes me happy!

Singing along to favourite songs and having a boogie if possible.

Being cold always makes me miserable so I will sometimes just say sod it and either put the fire on and sit right next to it while watching something totally rubbish on the TV, (silently taking the piss of a crappy American christmas film can be fun), or I go back to bed and put the electric blanket on and read.

It can be hard to get out for a walk but I sometimes just go out with a good podcast on and don't worry about being all mindful and connecting with nature. I am lucky enough to live within about a 10 minute drive of the Peak District, so to get out in a wide open space generally lifts my spirits.

I have a switcher box. When i go to the toilet, it is triggered by the movement sensor and I get a lovely very natural burst of bird song. It's a small thing, but brings joy.
Also achieving things helps, even if mundane jobs. I just try to get most of my boring lide admin done during the gloomiest days to free up more time for nicer days. A swim with friends also helps. Pottery is my other go to. Highly recommend joining a class over the winter months.

Lovely hot shower or bath and into some clean and cosy loungewear or pyjamas. Big mug of tea or hot chocolate, cake or biscuit and watch an episode of something or see if one of my fav YouTubers has a new video (I love Brad Mondo!).

Walking my dog, I love when it's cold and the sun is shining on my face, even when u don't feel like walking if it's rainy/windy I find it still lifts my mood when I force myself to go. I go to the quieter park near me to avoid chatting to people. Sometimes even just a walk round the neighbourhood at night and seeing people's christmas trees gives me a good lift this time of year.

Reading. This is sometimes hard when I'm feeling down or distracted by something happening but I force myself too instead of scrolling social media where everyone looks happy and busy doing fun things. Reading just gives my brain a break from the real world. I sometimes just re read books I've already enjoyed as it requires less attention.

Youtube - people's vlogmas videos from around 2011 - 2015 ish, these make me feel nostalgic for when my kids were smaller and I was really into vlogs (before advertising and beauty gurus took over) just watching ordinary mums blogging their day to day life always lifts my mood and makes me productive doing things round the house.

That's all I can think off. I'm very down myself at the minute and every day can feel heavy, you aren't alone xx

Changing the wax in my warmers and lighting candles.
Going for a walk and listening to music on my earpods.
Sitting in a cafe with a coffee, especially the seasonal ones.
Getting into bed with clean sheets.
Sitting under my heated throw, reading my kindle.

I have just got my blue SAD light out as I was feeling a bit meh. I've also realised that listening to The Cure's new album on repeat probably wasn't helping. I've switched to more upbeat stuff for the timebeing whilst I plan travel for next year. I'm also decluttering, a little bit everyday

I find exercise helps too.

I've lit a new candle and got a cuppa in my favourite mug. Little things.

Absolutely love these. Going to change to an easier more comfortable book, and I d got the wax melts on. Thank you

Thank you, I hear you on the heaviness. And the not alone ness 💙

I am training for a half-marathon with my best friend atm and going for a run together makes me happy. And my bookclub with some amazing women of all ages.

Mine is very similar.

Really hot shower
Clean (or even better, new) PJ's
Get into bed with a cup of tea and some chocolate/biscuit/cake (ideally clean sheets)
Hot wheat bag
Watch something good.

*Candle lit bath with a herbal sleepy tea (or wine if it's a Saturday)
*Walking my dog/playing ball with dog
*Eating a crunchy kettle chip sandwich with a cup of tea
*Selling on Vinted keeps me distracted if I'm feeling anxious
*Colouring in or painting
*Charity shop mooching
*Going on the stairmaster on the gym while I watch reality TV on my phone (I'm not ashamed)
*Baking a loaf cake (lemon drizzle or carrot cake)

@biscuitdunkerette have a look at Suzy Readings latest book called Self Care for Winter. It's packed full of lovely, uplifting suggestions. Also you could follow her on Instagram as she does a post most days & she includes 'awe hunting' which is finding the glimmers on gloomy days. Suzy is a Psychologist and does a lotcaround self care. Her book is inspiring.