Feel very low, any ideas to boost mood?

[anony24444]

Ideas please. Usually what works is (no judgements please!) watching re-runs of Friends, going for a walk or smelling aromatherapy oils. But this time nothing is working, I feel incredibly low I don’t know how to get out of it. I texted 3 friends today and not one and not one responded. I feel very depressed.

Hi, just wanted to say hello, I find eating something helps, but honestly some days I just have to accept I’m feeling crap but it will pass, I just couldn’t read and not reply.

What about meditation? Doesn't need to be a long one, even a 5 minute meditation video on youtube can help? The one I listened to talked about thoughts being passing clouds and to watch them come and go

Do you read books? Or listen to podcasts? I watch crime documentaries and it takes my mind off of things x

Thank you for the suggestions. @User8t7t7319 can you recommend some meditation videos please. I’ve never been able to get into any on YouTube I just found it difficult to focus

Try doing something round the house while listening to a funny Podcast. You are keeping phosically busy and your mind will be tuned in elsewhere listening. If you tackle some jobs that need doing you may feel better for it afterwards, a spring clean if you like. Or start a project/hobby.

What about some music ?

Sometimes putting on your favourite piece helps.

Sure! Here are some short 5 min ones. 1st one really helps me

Not a short term fix, but try vitamin d tablets - they definitely help with my mood in the winter.

Do you have a pet you can cuddle? Or perhaps some sort of craft to zone out with?

A good nights sleep usually does the trick. Read some mindless celeb trash mag before bed and keep away from your phone.

Exercise
Hot bath
Walking in nature

Not for right now if you are in the UK and if’s close to midnight, but maybe more intense exercise, just a little more strenuous than your usual exercise.

I agree with the walking, also being near nature, your garden or a park.

Long walk in nature
Swimming regularly
Hot bath
A clearout at home- play some music while you do
Baking
Massage or spa trip

I usually find a nice walk helps but at the moment everywhere is wet, flooded and muddy.
Personally I do things like meeting up with friends etc.

That headspace app has free meditation sessions of about ten minutes that might help ? Also od liver oil for vitamin d might be good as suggested by PP. I have the borrowbox with free audiobooks from the library i listen to comedy books such asbill bryson and Gill sims. I walk the dog everyday to get some daylight and just listen to radio 2 which is light hearted. But obviously that depends what kind of music you like . A yoga class may also help? . Jan and Feb are the worst months to get through so go easy on yourself to get to spring.

Go for a sauna? Lowers cortisol, boosts the production of serotonin.

No solutions but just wanted to say hello and that you're not alone. I can't snap out of my low mood either, going to read all suggestions on here. Hope you feel better soon OP

For a quick fix, try a YouTube workout, there’s loads of videos available.

This one makes me feeling amazing, I think it’s the neck stretches at the end in particular:

I hope you feel better soon.

Also try a hot shower or bath if you can manage it, always feel better when I am squeaky clean.

It helps me to consciously realise that it's just a temporary state of mind and I known I'll feel better shortly

Also: getting enough sleep, walk in the fresh air, vitamin D spray, cup of tea, getting my hair or nails done

Thank you everyone for all the suggestions. I’ve been slowly doing them.

Try a SAD therapy lamp. It really works for me if I'm feeling a bit glum in the dark evenings.

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I try and arrange walks with friends.

You walk further because you’re so busy talking (or is that just me?) and you can justify coffee and maybe eat cake at the end.

Win win 🙂

Hope you’re finding something that works…

Might sound silly but have you thought about joining a choir? I joined one and find I feel serene, floppy and uplifted all at the same time afterwards. Pity it’s only once a week!

Walks with friends sounds a great idea. I came on to suggest adding something social in, as you’d mentioned reaching out to friends and not having responses as being something that heightened that feeling a bit. I find I feel much better if I regularly see friends (but keep time to recharge too). Some type of hobby can help.

Also, if you do use an SAD lamp, I’d advise using in the morning. I use one to help keep very seasonally linked bipolar symptoms under control and (if used in the evening) they’d lessen the chance of melatonin production. Used in the morning, they boost serotonin and then in the evening you dim lights, stay away from screens etc. to try and increase the melatonin.

I didn't know that! I've been using it in the evening but will switch to mornings now - thanks!

I think it all a bit depends on what has made your low mood?

I would reach out to some other people in rl.

What did you put in your message to the 3 friends you texted?
Was it all jolly? Or would they have been able to tell you are struggling?