What makes you feel alive?

[rosetulipdaisy]

I am trying to recover from depression. Recently I have been feeling very flat and numb. I can't remember what activities I like to do, what things get me in tune with feeling something or feeling alive. Either positive emotion or negative. Looking for suggestions please - what helps you?

I recall a breakthrough moment so clearly in 2021. It was buying a tray of chips to eat in the car outside dd2 dance lesson. I remember watching the steam coming off them it was January. I remember thinking finally this is a small pleasure that's ordinary but special. I never thought I could acknowledge those little moments again.

I also found cleaning and ordering and feeling I've achieved something really helped.
I have had 3 breakdowns and I suffer from depression and anxiety so I'm not being flippant x

Take small steps. Plan and cook a meal maybe x

Art. Both going to galleries and making art myself. Poetry. Being outside on a dark night in the country alone so that I can see the stars and drop my sense of having to be anything for anyone else.

Best wishes OP.

I know 'nature' is supposed to help, but I go for the buzz and energy of the big city.
A day in London really perks me up and reminds me that there is so much going on around us all. I find it very positive to hold my head up and walk briskly among so many other people in such beautiful and inspiring surroundings.

What a lovely idea for a thread, rosetulipdaisy 🙂. Mine would be dancing. Whatever particular type of music it is that grabs you - when you hear it and you feel you just have to get up and dance.

I hope this thread brings you all sorts of ideas 😎.

Going for a jog especially in this bitter cold weather, my lungs burn and my legs ache but I feel alive. I run by my local river and it is so beautiful, I take in all the pretty sights and when I get home I am always glad I have been out (even though it takes every ounce of will power to force my lazy carcass out!).

In my darkest moments (and they’ve sometimes been very dark) watching my cat daintily trip across the lawn like a dressage horse has often given me a brief feeling of pure joy. Having an animal to love and be responsible for definitely helps me feel connected.

BTW also have anxiety and low mood but the distraction of getting out and hurting (in a good way) has really helped me over the years.

I think exercise. I love Zumba - but find one that really pushes you fitness wise - heart needs to be racing for it to really work and then also running outside. Again, really push to get heart rate up and feel knackered. Those both produce feel good hormones for me.

If you follow them with a treat such as a fish and chips (as a PP mentioned) or a coffee and cake, that can give you a feel good factor.

The other thing is a swim - particularly wild swimming is good

Live music and theatre. I watch it on YouTube if I can’t get to the real thing.

Having something to look forward to. So booking a weekend away, a holiday, a day out, whatever, always gives me a boost. Even just booking a nice restaurant with a good friend and enjoying good company over a bottle of wine.

Decluttering also makes me feel good - then maybe treating myself to a new piece of clothing to fill the space 🥰

'I know 'nature' is supposed to help, but I go for the buzz and energy of the big city.'

You're so right - we are all different, and 'nature' doesn't appeal to all of us in the same way

For me, exercise makes me feel amazing - lifting weights, spin class, yoga, a brisk walk. I try to do at least one of the above every day. Very rarely feel like it before, always feel brilliant after

Swimming in the sea. I started going 3 times a week when our local pool shut and love it. Ive met friends, notice the changes of the seasons more, become more body confident and i'm now off anti-depressants.

Ooh also a new candle to burn whilst having a small glass of wine and some treat snacks.

A long walk by the sea or in the countryside, followed by a hot shower and a cup of tea.

Exercise is great, followed by a hot bath and some pampering shit.
Lying on a shakti mat with soothing music is my current favourite.

I did a long walk today to collect my car from the garage. The crisp air and nature (forest and other greenery) really help my mood and give me time to mull things over / work through things in my head.

Exercise is another for me but I realise you need some energy and head motivation to get started.

I love reading too for putting me in a good mood.

Live music, specifically being in the middle of a crowd who are all singing their hearts out together!

Writing - pick a topic and just write 800 words
Music and dancing
Lying on the grass (when it's warm)
Yin yoga (basically lying around and stretching listening to soothing music)

Getting out walking across open fields and In the woods with my dog

Try reading a book? Pick an old favourite perhaps (for me it would be the Narnia books, which I loved growing up). It can take you ‘out of yourself’ and also reconnect you with a time when you felt happier.

Is there a Parkrun near you? If you don’t fancy running, you could volunteer. You’ll meet people, they’re always grateful for help marshalling, and volunteering is supposed to be a great mood booster.

My allotment..... watching a tiny seed grow on a window sill until it's big enough to survive outside. Getting muddy. Getting my hands in the soil. Weeding, watching things grow. Learning from the "old timers". Coming home with a basket full of tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, courgettes and a big bunch of sweet peas. I have a very old friend who has been through some crap, and honestly says he wouldn't be here today if he hadn't found a charity that helps peoples mental health by gardening and growing. Do you have some outside space or even a balcony OP ? There may be community gardens or allotments in your area.