What helps you instantly feel better?

[Coffeeehelps]

I'm depressed and stressed. I've contacted my GP. I'm on meds and I'll be re-refering for more therapy. I've just had something to eat. I've put on a load of laundry. I'm barely functioning right now though and on the verge of a full mental breakdown.

So, can I ask, what helps you instantly feel better when everything - even the little things - seems hopeless?

A short, brisk walk. Perks me right up every time.

I can't do that right this minute, but I agree. I'm starting to feel a bit better after eating something. I guess I'm hoping that lots of small pick me ups will help me deal with the growing problems I'm having. Anxiety is also an issue. I can't see the wood for the trees on how things can/would improve.

Listening to music I like, and walking while doing so (if poss)

At the moment for me, junk food, chocolate, which is not ideal 🫣 as unhealthy food doesn’t make a healthy body or mind.

Getting out for a walk (hard to do when tied to house with LO at times) used to love evening walks with the dog to wind down or early sunrise ones when the worlds quieter. Miss those immensely since having LO

Exercise.. again not been great at getting to do that now have LO

Whats your age bracket?
Are you finding it hard to get out with your feelings your feeling currently, or still able to?
As I know all too well those feelings when overstressed, depressed.

Just know your not alone 🤍
Life is hard at the best of times sometimes

A walk or a run, but when I need to do this the most I struggle to be able to.

1. Getting outside (I know you said you can't do that right this second)
2. Tidying/organising a small area of my home/office/car/whatever. I'm not generally a messy person but there's always something that could do with smartening up
3. making something nutritious AND tasty to eat
4. A cuppa in a lovely mug
5. Buying something (within your means!!)

Opening as many windows as possible.

Having a tidy space (cleaning can come later).

Clean teeth/face/hair, clothes, towels, bedding.

Pineapple. Fresh, not tinned.

Being proactive even if it's sorting out a cupboard, doing a tip run or baking.

Walking through fields or woods.
Going for a run in our local lanes
Early morning coffee in bed with the window open so I can hear the birds singing

Oddly - weeding. Mindless effort in the open air that delivers an instant improvement to the flower beds and gives a sense of achievement

Just come on ti say this.
Also drink of hot water - hydration is so important

Tea, always makes me feel better.
Walking
Gardening
Listening to the birds sing
Reading or listening to an audio.book
Crafting

Agree that doing something with your hands is really underrated for helping mental health - gardening, cooking, baking, knitting, painting, colouring. It’s a huge huge help.

Also putting the phone down and minimising social media really helps me.

Some good reminders on here. I do usually enjoy doing most of those things.
Today I think I will focus on doing laundry and giving my bedroom a once over as far as my energy takes me. I want to do something mundane, to feel better, which even sadly music or art or the other usual beautiful things can't even help with at the moment.
to all those who may also be struggling right now.

Putting on a good film or tv show

Sunshine.
my cats

Fresh air, the natural world, birdsong. Lifts me every time. I just spent two minutes in the garden smelling the just-opened hyacinths and listening to the wind in the trees. It's good for the soul.

Hope you're feeling better soon ❤️

Sorry to hear you’re feeling so unwell OP. If a walk is a step too far then maybe just sitting in the garden (if the sun is out) - with a coffee? Listening to bird song os good for us - as is getting some light in your eyes

Be kind to yourself. So one task a day.

A bath with a podcast on in the background?

How old are you? Are you able to get any treatment?

A deep bubble bath, then wrapped up in a blanket with the dog, glass of wine and a good movie.

Exercise, outdoors or inside. I have YouTubers I follow, most of whom offer workouts ranging from 5mintes to an hour, so there is always something you can fit in.
Nice hot shower, hairwash, put on make-up.
Tidy/Declutter a drawer/wardrobe rail/shelf/ cupboard/room.
Decent book. - walk to library, find a book or two. I’m currently a member of two reading groups - takes the question of choice out of my hands and means I will be hearing other views.
Early night with clean pjs, fresh bed linen and decent book.
Podcasts - accompany me everywhere these days.
‘Home mani-pedi.
Cook something nice - a pot of soup, a cake, whatever. Eat it.
I used to have a blog, mostly about books, but also local bits and pieces, and I found writing a post would make me feel productive and creative. I think I will take it up again.
‘plan an outing to visit a museum or something similar - often free. Go on outing.
Keep a simple diary. I don’t mean a journal where you write at legth, just A straightforward week per page type of paper diary where you can have lists, events, running total of expenses, books read, podcasts you liked.

Yes. Let the daylight and a nice breeze in. Shower and hair wash. Clean clothes. Lovely cup of tea. Deep breathing exercises (it really does work; I was amazed) xx

I’m not sure about the tidying the house and decluttering suggestions for someone who is depressed and can’t exercise/ go for a walk.

Sorry! I know it’s trying to be helpful but I think it’s the last thing you can do when depressed and you don’t need more guilt/shame about tidying up and cleaning out cupboards. The result may make us feel better but the process is like climbing a mountain if you are depressed.

Agree about breathing exercises and meditation. I was surprised at how effective these are. But conversely I needed to be in a good place to have the headspace to meditate!

A hug

Being kind to myself, hot relaxing bath, comfortable clean pyjamas, feet up with cosy blanket, a good film/series while eating a treat dinner/dessert. Don't put pressure on yourself op, one day at a time.

A can of cold Pepsi max and beetroot from the jar