This walk makes such a difference to how I feel

[Theresbeautyallaround]

Every other night (alternate with Dh going Dds bedtime) I take our dog out for a walk on my own at sunset, around the block..lovely houses, people out enjoying themselves on these summer evenings. It’s only a 20-30 minute stroll, but it makes a huge difference to how I feel and just makes me happy.
Such a small thing…what other little, feel good things help others?
Mine are almost always connected to nature, a beautiful sunset, early morning after sunrise, walking in the woods, the beach and the sea, beautiful flowers. But I also love the first cup of coffee, the bit just before my Dd falls asleep, laughing and connecting with a friend who gets you, good food and drink.
Not trying to be cheesy, I suffer depression sometimes and I can tell I’m starting to get better when I focus on and appreciate the v v small things

Forgot to say I also enjoy going for a drive in the evening and just parking up in nature or by the sea and just sitting listening to the birds or waves. Freedom makes me happy and sometimes after a stressful day it feels nice to get away.

I walk my dog along a dual usage pedestrian/cycle path.
On the way back, there is a woodland /river walk that my dog is let loose on.

Barely anyone does this walk, my dog is content, and nature abounds us.

So many butterflies and moths, dragonflies, ducks, moorhens kingfishers and, more importantly, peace.

I like to go and wander about the outdoor section of the garden centre amongst the plants, always makes me feel better.
Sitting in the sun in our garden is lovely too - I may get to do it again when it eventually stops raining!
Quite like going for a walk or a bike ride. And cuddles with my family are fab!

I’m lucky that it’s very quiet where I live and there are a lot of trees, and fields. I love sitting in the garden listening to the birds singing.

Thank you for posting something so simple and positive.

Same here with the walks. I live in a flat next to a horrible, busy, polluted, noisy main road. But fortunately there's a peaceful river walk nearby and rain or shine I love walking along there or just sitting on the bank of the river with a coffee, watching the birds and insects. Really improves my mood.

Walking for me too! The sky tonight was amazing

During winter I'll go there when it's dark as I just love the sound of the waves at night.

This is the best part of my Summer holidays every year, going to sleep and waking up to the sound of the waves. I also like the sound of seagulls at 3 and 4 am

Most people probably won’t be able to relate to this but…rain. I love listening to and watching the rain. And I love getting my wet weather gear on and going out for a long rainy walk in the forest.

I could have written your post OP. I live for the days when my husband's turn to do bedtime.

Also, driving at sunset/sunrise with the windows down and some nice music on.

Really makes me feel alive! I just wish these moments would last longer, as soon as it ends depression sneaks back in 😔

That's lunch?? It's about 1000 calories too light for me😂

On my days off when I get up early, have a coffee in peace then do my mobility exercises then some yoga. Even if I’m really tired and feel like I can’t be bothered I always feel amazing after.
If the house is still sleeping I take my second coffee out to the patio and sit under the covered pergola watching the birds, drinking my coffee and maybe reading a book. Bliss.

I vividly remember a point when I had been seriously depressed, really struggling, when I sat outside in my garden (it wasn’t even very warm, I had to wrap up in a big blanket!) and just watched the birds on my bird feeder for hours while I listened to an audiobook on my phone, and thinking “This is all I have the mental energy to do, but that doesn’t matter because this is lovely”. And that was definitely a turning point for me in my recovery. Nature is always, always a key thing for me.

Dogs always…love a bike ride too and swimming in a sunset sea (rarely done) especially after a bit of wine is truly euphoric @slugHell

Sorry that was for @Manicpanicatthedisco 🙈
I love rain also, that earthy smell after the rain and being inside looking out
I love reading a good book alone (v v rare 😂) lay on my bed with snacks and drinks

Sniffing my little children. My baby still has that soft warm milky smell and my toddler after his bath or when he first wakes up smells like love and biscuits.

Walking in the woods with the dog in the rain and how earthy he smells
When we get home.
Making a coffee very early in the morning on Sundays, going back to bed with a wide open windows and listening to the birds.
Waking early hours in the morning and hearing rain battering down and being grateful for a roof over my head.

What a lovely thread! I suffer from depression from time to time, and being outside is definitely best for me when I do. As is cold water swimming in the sea. I also love the feeling of having finished a run or a workout. Exercise and being in nature keep me sane

Petrichor ♥️

That’s enough for a family of six!

What a lovely post ! These are the things that help me

I also love walking,at times on my own and st times with a friend.

Love the catch ups with old friends,and Meeting a new friend and really clicking!

I love when I go get My son from his cot and his beaming up at me,he always wants a cuddle

Currently loving picking blackberries! Now, I love eating the crumble but the picking is so therapeutic

Sleeping with the bedroom window open. Mine looks out on countryside. I lived in a ground floor flat in central London for 20 years so just looking out at the horses in the field over the way is wonderful. And t smell of fresh air.

Walking for me too. If I can't get outside I feel myself dip. I hate Winter and this 'summer' is really getting me down.

Perfect

'Waves at night' very envious, sounds amazing