To ask what makes you happy

[tinklykitty]

Feeling a little down most days :( I want to try and do some things each day to make myself feel happy but I never know what I can do and before it's too late I'm back feeling demotivated and miserable again... I would really appreciate some ideas of quick things I can do each day that might make me happy. I'm thinking If I write them down then do one per day I might end up being the happiest fucker alive!

Place marking

“Helping others” is what pops to mind

If it’s the latter, you need medication

No, she doesn't. Even if OP is depressed she might not respond to drugs. They're not always the answer - well done, OP, for seeking ways to lighten your mood.

Quiet, still time in the mornings wirh a nice cup of tea.
Chill & chat moments with my (grown up) DCs
Dance hobby/socialising with DP
Music
Netflix series binge
Losing myself in a book.

Other things Ive done is actively not having negative or troublesome people in my life. & not rushing around, if Ive to be anywhere I prep the night before so I arrive on time not feeling stressed. Also tackling my procrastination which has been a hindrance in my life many times. Its strange but those 3 things had a big impact so now its easier to get into calm and peaceful mode. Not every day of course but mostly Im on an even keel.

I think we all know at least a couple of things that would make us happy so, just go ahead and do that.

My niece
My cat
Lazy days with a long, late afternoon walk
That feeling when you're laughing with friends so hard your face hurts
Live music

I went through a period of depression a few years ago. Something that really helped me was really making a point of being friendly to people - anyone and everyone. Hard to explain but just taking the time and being genuinely positive with other people invariably sees the sentiment returned and it is uplifting. It may sound cliched but the old saying about "smiling and the world smiles with you" holds true in my experience.

Fresh sheets on my bed
Fresh flowers
Good food
Cats
A walk in the sunshine
Audio books - love the No 1 ladies detective series
My fave perfume
Nice smelling shower gel
Spending time with my favourite people
My creative hobbies
Watching Netflix with dd
Wearing dungarees
Meals cooked by dd or DH
Learning a new skill

Exercise
Fresh air
Friends

Walking rescue dogs at my local animal shelter.
Brought me right out of my depression.

The weekend, at the moment nothing makes me happier.

Why are you feeling down most days? Circumstances or something you can't put your finger on? X

Food
Coffee
Peace
Music
Feeling valued / liked / attractive to someone which never happens lol

Seeing a massive dogshit with a footprint in it.
Getting an Amazon parcel in the post.
New clothes, especially really nice, expensive ones.
T-bone steak.
Man United losing.
Long AIBU threads about total non-events, usually with arguing betweeen two rival camps.

I like ticking stuff off and getting some exercise.

Walking outside in nature every day. Watch 23 and a half hours on YouTube, it shows that a half hour walk a day can improve low mood, I can't remember the statistics but something like 47% of people with low mood felt better after walking for half an hour a day or more.

Silly videos on YouTube, ones I've watched a million times that still make me laugh.

Getting into a clean bed, with clean pyjamas.

Going out for brunch. Doesn't have to be expensive but just the act of going out and catching a meal they don't serve all the time.

Cuddles with my kids. Especially the youngest as she is still quite squishy and baby even though she's a toddler now.

Going to London alone and wandering around places like Liberty's and the giant Topshop. Not buying anything but just enjoying the atmosphere.

Having a little break to the Isle of Wight. £20 on the fastcat and just getting a bit lost for the day on the buses.

Going for a walk along the beach when it's a bit windy.

Buying chocolate from Lidl as the bags are huge and excellent quality.

A lovely piece of cake
Watching tv in the bath (on my iPad)
Sunshine
A lung busting walk up a hill to see a great view
Cuddle with my dog
Meeting up with friends for a good catch up
A visit to the seaside

@History dweeb that's lovely. We need a pic of your boys to cheer us all up!

I get a real buzz out of volunteering, it makes me feel good that hopefully I am contributing something positive to society and also I have met so many lovely like minded people. It takes a bit to organise & get involved but there are so many different organisations you can volunteer with. Today I am spending the morning volunteering & then having lunch with some of the friends I have met through the organisation. Really looking forward to it .

Reading is my sanity saver. Fresh air makes me revitalised. Oh and a secret stash of treats hidden from dds. I have days when i struggle mentally. Im a single mum of three. Dd15 complex child is in therapy and was diagnosed with ocd last year. Absent father no support. Dd8 is lovely but her dad is my exhusband. Dry alcoholic and narcissist. No financial support. Sees her for a couple of hours when he can be bothered. Ds nearly 1. His dad is great with him. I never get a break constant stress and financial strain but we are all ok. My life is complex but mundane. I hope things get better for you OP maybe cbt would be an option?

I have to get outdoors every day.
I walk, I run, I cycle.
I spend money on lovely candles and lots of tea lights.
I paint my nails as seeing them gives me joy.
I smile at everyone and most smile back.
I laugh, a lot
Wine
Chocolate
Being kind makes me happy.

Badlad
Man United losing.

😂 Yep

Clean sheets
Electric blanket
Wine with friends

Going to the library and choosing a new book that I can't wait to begin. Then looking forward to reading said book every night in bed with some posh chocolates.
Wearing my favorite perfume.
Putting on my favorite body cream after a bath.
Lighting a new candle.
A brisk walk around local park.
A rummage in a charity shop and finding a bargain.
Buying nice gift/card for someone I love.

remoaningmyrtle where did you study medicine? Suggesting that depressed patients don’t need treatment is highly irresponsible.
The minority of patients who don’t respond to a proper course of several antidepressants are referred for ECT, which has an 85% success rate. I’ve treated hundreds of patients with it over the last 36 years. What is your experience of treating depression? And why do you think it’s at all helpful to deter patients from seeking treatment? Are you unaware of the suicide risk in untreated depression?

@ScrumpyBetty

Just watched Watch 23 and a half hours on YouTube - thank you for the recommendation - really useful and interesting.