AIBU to ask what genuinely makes others feel happy and content?

[Sweetdreamsbeautifulnightmare]

I’m struggling to feel happy/content and have done for a while now. Feel like I’m always craving something more. I like reading and when I’m stuck into a good book I enjoy it, I like getting outside and camping etc but still feel something is missing.

I then turn to a glass of wine or two to satisfy this craving but that tends to have the opposite effect after the initial high.

Please tell me some things that genuinely make you happy…. I need some help!

There are a few things that give me that feeling, but only if I'm already in a good place, which I think is key.

For example I also love reading but If I'm feeling low or anxious generally or life isn't going as well in that moment as I'd like it to be then it doesn't have the same effect. I struggle to concentrate or absorb, it becomes more of a task or passing the time.

Not a quick fix but I think it makes more sense to spend some time working out what might be missing, why you feel the way you feel, why you are turning to alcohol even though it's having a negative affect. Maybe journaling could help or there are lots of self-reflection geared journals with prompts available now.

I like going for a walk in nature. I find wildlife, flowers and lots of green space very calming.

i garden. Spending half an hour weeding or harvesting my veg patch makes me feel good.

Researching/ booking trips/ being on trips in my caravan