To ask how you’ve improved your mood?

[Rexasaurus]

Inspired by a thread on here this week where people were saying they were struggling & felt flat I wondered what people have found that’s helped?

I’m trying to pull myself out of the hole and have started listening to music more but I’m at a bit of a loss as to what else to do.

The thread made me feel like I wasn’t alone so was hoping we’d be able to help each other?

Any ideas?

Also after years of thinking i wasn't a house proud person and doing the bare minimum in terms of house work, I've realised how much keeping my house uncluttered and as light as possible helps my mood. I'll didn't realise until I stayed in a very minimalist holiday home how much clutter brings me down!

Biggest mood boosters for me are
Walking in the countryside
Getting enough sleep
No alcohol
Eating well
Sunshine

Impressed with the ones given up alcohol, for me its a treat at the end of the day and i look forward to a glass of wine from late afternoon onwards (always have it evening ), i think id be more miserable if i gave that up?

I feel much better when I stop the mindless scrolling (esp Mumsnet which is great but I do it too much). But what the hell do I fill my time with then

• ditching social media
• working very hard on therapy
• keeping caffeine intake low
• lots of water
• lots of fresh fruit and veg
• keeping on top of housework/life admin etc
• spending time outside (all weathers!)
• very limited TV
• listen to music
• meditate/yoga
• make time for baths and pampering

The school run has helped massively.

Walks with friends (being out of the house in fresh air!)

Spending time treating myself to a nice bath / face mask etc.

Prosecco 🥂🍾

I signed up for a couple of subscription boxes (a book one and a stationery one). I have them every few months so they are not working out too expensive.

They help as my biggest struggle has been the lack of things to look forward to - they are small things but keep me going!

@ToooOldForThis
It's so easy ! Just buy a couple of seed trays and plastic lids, choose a flower you like the look of - I do perennials mostly so all the effort comes back time and time again. This year Delphiniums and Coreopsis have germinated easily for me. Put the tray on a sunny windowsill.
When they're seedlings transplant them to small pots and watch them grow

Admittedly the end of my kitchen table is set up for doing this but my take is it's only temporary and worth it in the end. (DH might say otherwise but tough!!)

fresh air
exercise (but not over doing it as it seems to make me more stressed)
enough sleep
uncluttered house
shower with some really nice shower gel
putting on nice clothes and some make up
reassurance with mantras when things are getting overwhelming ("everything is just fine", "we're all doing grand", "this awful low mood will pass")
eating generally Mediterranean type diet
avoiding alcohol (feel terrible the next day even with a wee amount)

Spotify, exercise and spending time in nature has helped me. I've also muted some social media groups and deleted Facebook. Been a huge help

Exercise. I have upped my daily workout from 35-40 to 60 minutes.
Wearing nice outfits and putting on makeup even if I am staying at home.

@Flowers24

Impressed with the ones given up alcohol, for me its a treat at the end of the day and i look forward to a glass of wine from late afternoon onwards (always have it evening ), i think id be more miserable if i gave that up?

I used to think that, then realised I found it would cast a shadow over my mood the next day. Some days smaller than others, but there nonetheless. Also that one glass became more.

-No alcohol
-A range of supplements + focus on healthy eating
-Try and walk every day
-Audiobooks
-Make up every day ( although hair is now in dire need of cut and colour)
-Making lists to try and stay focused on life admin, chores etc, things that can be achieved during lockdown, so hopefully we’ll be out and doing interesting things and seeing people as the lockdown eases.
Trying to FaceTime and message friends and family every day to alleviate the isolation

We have a newborn and go for at least an hour walk on an evening when my DH gets home. I actually really look forward to it

Sex in the morning

Exercise has made a huge difference for me. I'm only talking a few times a week but if I don't do it I can tell. I get really bad pmt aswell and the difference exercise makes that week to lift my mood is unbelievable. I wished I'd had it in my routine sooner.

A new job.
Yoga
Reading - actual books from my bookshelf
Board games
Journal sharing with DD - we write to each other.

I need something to share with DS (8) that we can both enjoy that is stress free.

Iron and vitamin medication (prescribed as needed due to severe deficiency), walking, litter picking, gardening and avoiding social media. Haven’t drunk alcohol for years anyway.

@Blabla81

Iron and vitamin medication (prescribed as needed due to severe deficiency), walking, litter picking, gardening and avoiding social media. Haven’t drunk alcohol for years anyway.

* vitamin D

I take long walks and listen to music. Really helps me chill out and feel better.

I practice gratitude every day and this makes an enormous difference. Scientifically proven to help.

I meditate. I journal. I'm mindful.

I also don't drink alcohol or caffeine and the difference is huge.

I don't watch the mainstream news.

Curate my social media heavily. Actually came off Facebook and the difference in my mood was immediate.

Listen to uplifting podcasts and read books that help my self development.

I also take a herbal supplement called ashwaganda. Scientifically proven to reduce cortisol.

It's a constant process and take time and effort. But I'm generally very positive and optimistic as a result.

Oh and don't forget exercise.

I am not a natural runner but the Nike running app is game changing. I run 3 times a week (slowly and not very far) and if I don't do this, I see a slump very quickly in my mental health and outlook.

What a great thread!

Mine are:
Going NC with toxic individuals. (Not even sorry!)
Less time on social media.
Reading.
Focussing only, as far as possible, on things within my control.
Prayer and meditation.
Decluttering.
Cutting back on wine consumption.

Treat yourself to a Nintendo Switch. Couldn't be without mine!