How are you keeping your spirits up

[Fairylightsdreamer]

I know many people are finding the current situation increasingly difficult. I thought a positive thread about how people are keeping their spirits up would be good.

I struggle with health anxiety and am currently seeking help for this. As a result of this I’ve been doing fairly limited things as the restrictions are being lifted and I am feeling a bit flat watching what’s happening in other countries and the localised lockdowns here. I’m also aware it’s going to be a tough winter. I’ve been pretty positive throughout but am starting to feel really fed up. I’ve started using a gratitude journal again recently which is helping me to appreciate the small things.

Good idea for a thread. I'm finding it harder, I'll be honest.

But I am focussing on making my small house nicer, and planning very small but lively things, like specific games and food and late night things with the kids.

I also don't watch live telly anymore so I don't get adverts which I found really stopped me switching off. I record things and have also bought some boxsets to totally escape any current news.

I try and be outside in the fresh air somewhere beautiful for at least 3 hours a day!

I’m seeing as many family and friends as possible while we can

Trying to get healthily to promote mental health

I really enjoy sewing (embroidery type not making clothes) and I challenged myself at the start of the year to sew for 10 minutes a day. Nothing to do with the dreaded covid but was in the habit by the time the lockdown hit. Now on the days I don't do it, I definitely feel the lack. It's a very mindful activity and I just think about stitching! Do you have a similar activity that you could maybe turn into a habit?

I stopped watching the news months ago. Hubby fills me in when & if I ask.
Have music on everyday- it makes me happy.
Me & Ds 3 go for long walks daily (we live near lots of country parks, all free)
And no social media. I didn't realise how toxic & negative it was until I got rid of it.
And I read a lot.
Sometimes ignorance really is bliss 🌸

Oh & I started yoga, I'm probably not doing it right but That has really helped me with meditation & feeling more positive

I was bearing up by exercising every day, but the heat is making that impossible now, and stopping me sleeping. Feeling a bit rubbish now!

🌳 Treeeeees OP. 🌳

(Jim from Friday Night Dinner voice)

Peace and quiet. Green, Fresh air. It calms me.

That and staying informed. Fully understanding the situation helps me too.

Good idea pond, a walk somewhere nice would help.

Definitely agree with getting outside. I'm lucky enough to live somewhere fairly rural so country walks, woodlands, nature reserves, paddling in the river etc all do wonders to lift my mood.

Yes agree with getting outside, have just walked down to the river and seeing water helps.

I'm finding I can't bear anything too interrupting, so I'm watching/listening to things with headphones on and doing less multi-tasking than I used to.

I've started using wax melts every day when I'm on a day off, just a small thing, but it really lifts my spirits to have a nice scent wafting around the house.

Also planted wildflowers in pots outside and made a little wildlife container pond which has brought us so much joy when the frogs arrived! Getting outside, even just into the garden has really made me feel better.

I also bought a bunch of art supplies, I'm not particularly crafty, but I just find doing the odd bit of painting really relaxing.

Great idea for a thread, my spirits have been lifted just reading the posts! Thanks OP. Placemarking!

Lovely to check in and see so many replies and great ideas. Getting outdoors makes such a difference doesn’t it. I’ve just spent the evening walking in the countryside with one of my very best friends, we haven’t seen each other since before lockdown and it was exactly what I needed. I’ve also been focusing on getting our house as lovely as possible for winter and I have had a good declutter this week. I always find it very therapeutic. Had a lovely long hot bath by candle light the other evening which helped to lift my spirits. I’ve just bought an oil diffuser too to make the house smell lovely, can’t wait for it to arrive and I’m about to download some new books on my kindle.

Started couch to 5k. It's hard getting the motivation to go out but it's 1000% worth it. Had a lovely run in the local park in the sun this evening once the kids were in bed. Really put me in a better mood. I was really grumpy when I got in from work!

Great idea for a thread.
I am trying to be in contact with friends however I can. For most obvs this means phone calls but I have also made an effort to arrange to meet socially distanced in gardens. I want to do this now before the winter as it feels safe than meeting indoors.
I was really suffering without social contacts. This has helped my mental health massively. Even just seeing one person a week.

I’m not 😢

Mainly, I'm refusing to think more than a week ahead. Planning for a week is reasonably reliable, and you can think of one or two nice things to do in that time, something to look forward to. Planning further ahead risks disappointment.

Meals are important - flowers on the table, trying dishes and ingredients I've not used before, "picnics" in different parts of the garden.

Lots of sea swimming and the thought that if it gets any more shit I can swim off and not come back

We are redecorating our house so that it feels really new and not like the house we've been stuck inside in for months on end. I'm also starting to focus on losing weight by eating more healthily and working out every day! It has certainly taken my mind off other things!!

@LadyCatStark sending hugs. Some good ideas here though. @DottyDuvet I’m also focusing on getting as healthy as I can. @MereDintofPandiculation love the flowers on the table idea and not looking further ahead than a week or too is great advice. I think I’ve been doing too much looking ahead when I need to be focusing on living in the moment.