To ask for tips on cheering myself up?

[Allchangehere346]

That’s it really.

I can feel the melancholy creeping in, and I want to take steps to try and help myself out of it.

Im poor, so the things I used to do like get my nails done I can’t do any more.

But I’m open minded and will give anything a go

Get outside. A good brisk walk somewhere you find beautiful helps.

Did you used to have false nails or are your natural nails pretty decent? I find painting my nails really satisfying, base coat 2 coats colour and then top coat. Lasts about a week looks great.

I'm following this with interest. I'm a miserable bastard at the best of times but once a month I struggle not to walk out in the traffic.

It sounds a bit lame, but I find having a brisk walk often seems to help somewhat. And it's free which is the best I can afford

Oh cross posts!

Baking a cake

A nice walk

A relaxing bath with bubbles and candles

PJs, chocolate and a good film

Read a book (Library is free)

A yoga DVD

Swimming

Cook a hearty healthy meal

Paint your nails at home

Things like painting, colouring in or doing a jigsaw puzzle can be surprisingly therapeutic.

An uplifting book/audiobook, funny radio shows/podcasts (combined with walking/getting out in nature. Catching up on TV shows you enjoy.

Take bottles to the bottle bank and really chuck them in, the smashing sound is so satisfying. Also go to the supermarket and read all the funny cards, guaranteed to make me smile!

I second baking. Baking something makes me feel like I've been productive and you get something yummy to eat while watching shit on Tele later

A big mug of hot chocolate and a good library book!

I have no input really everyone else’s suggestions are exactly what I would have said.
But if you fancy an instant silly pick me up please read the thread called “my kids dad fed them badger” in AIBU I don’t know how to link it. It’s a corker gave me a right giggle 😂

A decent comedy.
Actually sorting out the real problems that make you feel like this? I know some things are just the way life is, but lots of things are solvable when you think they aren’t.

Why do you feel like this?

Oh wow so many responses thank you!

Walking seems to be popular - I’m gonna strap dd in her buggy and get out tomorrow morning

I’m also going to have a look at that mumsnet thread - just remembered sex beaker, and now will have to hunt that out too

Thank you everyone

Malibu and umbongo in a cocktail glass with a curly straw.

@Hoopaloop
Hahaha
Best advice ever!!
I didn’t even know they made umbongo anymore. Christ that takes me back

@holdingonbarely

The list is -
I’m barely scraping by with the money I’m on, due to debt I got into being made redundant whilst on mat leave. I’m paying everything off slowly, there are no balance transfer cards I’m eligible for, it’s just a long hard slog.
I’m hugely overweight, and as such feel hideous. I have joined slimming world, and I am trying my hardest but it just doesn’t seem to be working.
All my friends have moved away, and my husband works really long hours so I’m often on my own in the evenings and weekends.

I have tried to put things in place to sort these out, it just feels like I’m treding water at the moment.

I second other posters about walking. Also take DD to baby groups (in my area -NW, the ones run by churches are friendly and cheap to attend), local libraries also do free mum and baby stuff like bounce and rhyme.

Ok
Debt: you’re paying it off. Slowly but you are! So that’s great, it won’t be there forever.

Overweight: well you’re doing something about that too, and so am I! But I’m sure there are more things to you that just your weight

Friends: it’s hard, but people come in and out of our lives, it’s hard to make new ones, but perhaps with slimming world/ something else you like you will meet new people to be friends with. It takes time but it will happen.

Husband: no suggestions really, it sucks but if you can do all the other things you might not feel so alone

And remember - treading water is actually ok! We all have to do it at somepoint in our lives, it’s a part of life and it’s not permanent!
X

I'm so sorry you feel blue. Exercise is literally the only thing that helps me. That and lots of sleep and self care. I bought some running clothes I feel comfy in - eBay - and I just get out and jog/ walk for even 10 mins to banish the blues. Hope you feel better soon

Self care definitely sums it up. Hot drinks cheer me up, cup a soups are quick, cheap and comforting without too many calories. Cleaning or sorting out something in the house helps me feel calmer. How old is DD? I know your partner gets home late or works away but can you agree on what he CAN do when he is home. Whether it's feeds/bath time for DD, anything that means you get a bit of you time or some more sleep. Well done on identifying your mood was slipping, you'll get there but it may take time.

When DS1 was a baby and the day was dragging, I used to put cheerful music on and dance with my arms. Good cardio with upper body strength training thrown in. You can induct the baby into ypur musical tastes too, which should reduce the moaning on long car journeys too.

Download the Mush app go on walks with other mums! Will definitely lift the mood and doesn't need to cost money.

Thank you all so much for your responses - it’s actually made me feel a lot better - I’m going to try some of these suggestions tomorrow

Agree that exercise is good for lifting your mood, especially wrapping up warm and enjoying all the autumn colours on a long walk. Do you get much time to have a soak in the bath when your DH gets home? It’s a really simply little thing, but always helps me :)