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

I’m always comforted by smell, more than anything.
Clean, line dried bedding.
Rain.
Roast chicken in the oven.
That lovely baby smell (although mine are beyond that now).

I also love the first tea of the morning when no one else is up, looking out in the garden at the birds and the sunrise.
Ds and I have the best walk to school along the river, spotting birds and boats. I’ve missed that during the holidays and really look forward to September!

When my OH brings me a cup of tea or coffee in bed.

I've been WFH for the last year. Previously, when I was lab/office based I'd always have a short walk for lunch with some colleagues. It's a break from the constant work char streams, and nice catch up with people.

Now that I'm currently WFH I go for a solo walk around that same time. In many ways I find the solo walk to be nicer, time to think and look around. On good weather days I walk a few miles to the local town, sometimes get a takeaway coffee but mostly don't.

If the weather is raining I always go for too. I take it as an excuse to walk around across a few fields on my fathers farm, and a quick change of clothes when I get back home. On one level I know this place so well, but I also see new things the whole time!

My absolute favourite peaceful thing to do in the summer is stop and have a pint at one of the local pubs, sit outside listening and watching the Swifts dart around over head, feeding on the wing and making that beautiful sound they make.

I'm a member of a community potters club ... throwing a pot on the wheel. Just being absorbed by the feel of the clay and the interaction of my hands with the wheel.

Walks for me too. If necessary, I can just walk in suburbia - that can keep me going if it has to - but it's the walks in nature that help my soul to sing.

Definitely a walk for me too, I make the effort to get up and get out every morning before I get ready for work and it really makes such a difference to my entire day. I didn't go this morning and I can really feel the difference. I love walking, just me, a podcast and the dog.

I know it sound so cliche but I definitely notice a direct correlation between how I feel and how much time I spend on my phone. I've been reading a lot lately so I put my phone down and that makes me feel better too.

I think I've been suffering with depression for a big chunk of this year but I always play it down like it's nothing which I should really stop doing. Nature always helps though.

If you have him on your own then just set your own rules and be firm from the beginning. Children are pretty adaptable. Mine know to wait for grace if we're eating with my christian relatives but we don't do that at home very often. They know that one grandma doesn't allow shoes in the house at all but the other one will often walk into her kitchen still wearing wellies. A big advantage to learn early on that not all houses have the same expectations!

Haha! Wrong thread - sorry! 😂

A walk by the canal looking at the local wildlife is just so relaxing

I like walking alone to be with my thoughts. Sadly I only feel safe on a busy street. I do go to woods and fields with my dog but I never feel safe. Men don't appreciate how lucky they are to feel safe walking alone.

Other small things - getting huge bear hugs every time my gk sees me, being alone in the house (no dh or dog) so I can just sit in silence for a while