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Original poster

Little things to lift you out of the shadows

57 replies

abouquetofsharpenedpencils · 10/04/2021 11:02

Feeling incredibly low due a number of difficult things going on in my life at the moment. I woke up at 3am and had a good cry.
I have a plan of getting back on track which usually works. This includes things like cleaning, going for a walk, watching comedy, having a relaxing bath with some luxury shower gels etc. I find structure really helps for me and setting small goals.
Just wondering what little things help get you back on track and lift yourself out of the abyss when you are feeling low? I could do with some new ideas Sad
Just to mention, I have been down the GP route before with medication and counselling. But I would love some non-medication /alternative ideas please.
Thanks for reading Daffodil

OP posts:
kittensarecute · 10/04/2021 11:05

I listen to classical music, I find it so soothing.

Original poster
abouquetofsharpenedpencils · 10/04/2021 11:09

@kittensarecute thank you, that reminded me I used to like listening to classic fm at uni when I felt down. Do you have any recommendations?

OP posts:
Amumtomyson · 10/04/2021 12:58

Is there anything going on you want to talk.about?

lostlanguages · 10/04/2021 13:06

Swimming is brilliant. There is something about floating and being immersed which is very freeing? Outdoor pools are open now so if you can find one nearby I would recommend it 100%. Don't worry about the weather being a bit chilly, I promise you the swim will be worth it.

Original poster
abouquetofsharpenedpencils · 10/04/2021 13:35

@Amumtomyson thank you
I wouldn’t know where to begin. I am overwhelmed mentally, physically, emotionally. I just feel worn out. Life feels like it’s one long obstacle course.

OP posts:
Original poster
abouquetofsharpenedpencils · 10/04/2021 15:41

@lostlanguages I like that idea!

OP posts:
hellcatspangle · 10/04/2021 15:48

Baking a nice cake...and eating it. Meeting you with a friend for walks. Having a nice gin!

MissMarplesGoddaughter · 10/04/2021 15:51

Doing something crafty and relaxing.

Atm, I am crocheting a blanket, all different stitches and colours, it's lovely seeing it grow as I crochet listening to the radio (especially afternoon plays).

optimistic40 · 10/04/2021 18:46

I listen to sleep hypnosis vids on YouTube at bedtime

Yoga daily (sometimes a 15 mins session, sometimes an hour, whatever I feel like)

Learning new things (mine is a language at the mo, but could be anything)

Getting time alone (single parent)

A chat with a mate

Art. Painting feels great. If you feel inclined and haven't done it before, grab some cheap supplies and just go for it. Painting is more therapeutic than drawing (for me)

optimistic40 · 10/04/2021 18:47

Oh, and NO WALKS. It's cold and grey at the mo and that kind of walk doesn't lift my spirits in the slightest.

HeronLanyon · 10/04/2021 18:48

Music always
I watch that many million views you tube of uptown funk danced/edited to old musical stars - completely joyful.
I organise a cupboard or drawer.
Sorry you’re going through low period op. Support.

HeronLanyon · 10/04/2021 18:50
5 mins of uplifting stuff.
CatCup · 10/04/2021 18:52

A good book, candles, tea Flowers

starpatch · 10/04/2021 18:54

Re. classical music I just have radio 3 which suits me. Also a clock radio so that you can have a favourite station on quietly in the morning to gently wake you up. Its perfect for me if I wake up before the radio comes on I know its too early and go back to sleep! Got a second hand DAB one from ebay.

Whatpaint · 10/04/2021 19:02

Love the YouTube clip, made me smile.

Can anyone recommend sleep hypnosis vids or adult bedtime story podcasts with a British accent? We have tried a few but they are all soo slow.

OP, I am in a similar situation. I have serious stuff going on that I can’t talk to anyone other than DH about and it’s very hard. I have found essential oil roller balls by tisserand to be quite good, they are about £6 each or £12 fir a set of three on Amazon, they are focused on different moods and I like them.

Also aromatherapy bubble baths, I got a sample set of aromatherapy associates bath oils for Christmas. They are expensive but lovely. Not sure I could bring myself to pay for them myself though!

LoveFall · 10/04/2021 19:10

I like colouring. Made a birthday card for DH yesterday using a large stamp and coloured in with Copic markers. I find it relaxing and it helps me refocus.

I also watch watercolour painting tutorials on YouTube. The artists who do loose floral paintings are so relaxing and inspiring to watch.

Finding recipes and planning a meal also helps me.

thenorthernluce · 10/04/2021 19:14

@Whatpaint I highly recommend Stephen Fry reading the Harry Potter books - I always listen as I turn the bedside light out and his voice is so conducive to sleep.

Whatpaint · 10/04/2021 19:36

Thank you @thenorthernluce will try them.

Original poster
abouquetofsharpenedpencils · 10/04/2021 20:56

So many great ideas! Thanks everyone Star
@hellcatspangle thanks. I hardly ever bake but every time I do, I always enjoy it and wonder why I don’t do it more!

@MissMarplesGoddaughter Afternoon plays! Love them. I love the idea of crocheting and crafts.

@optimistic40 great suggestions thanks. I enjoy sleep stories but have never tried the sleep hypnosis- will do tonight! I love art but am rubbish , been thinking about painting by numbers lately.

OP posts:
Prirose16 · 10/04/2021 22:02

Can someone refer me to someone who can chat about pregnancy

Original poster
abouquetofsharpenedpencils · 10/04/2021 22:14

@HeronLanyon
Thank you so much. I have always been a fan of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and really enjoyed your clip Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
abouquetofsharpenedpencils · 10/04/2021 22:18

@Prirose16
Try looking on “Becoming a Parent” in Topics. There are lots of pregnancy threads there.

OP posts:
Original poster
abouquetofsharpenedpencils · 10/04/2021 22:24

@CatCup three of my favourite things!
@starpatch a clock radio- used to have one as a teenager, weren’t they brilliant-so simple. Just the idea of a soothing voice next to your bed was very reassuring. Smart phones are just not the same. I think i will look into getting one Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
abouquetofsharpenedpencils · 10/04/2021 22:31

@Whatpaint
Thank you. It’s tough isn’t it. I find nights are the worst as I can’t escape from my mind and things turn very bleak. It’s great you have DH to talk to. I also use essential oils in a lamp. I have seen the tisserand ones and bought them as a present for a friend, but thinking I might treat myself next time.
I like the calm app but only use the free sleep stories, not many to choose from and don’t recall many with a british accent. I do love “The Waterfall”.

OP posts:
daysofthunder · 10/04/2021 22:32

Long hot shower.
Watching an old favourite TV series- at the moment it's Frasier.
Cooking my favourite dinners.
Baking.
Leaving Chilled Cow (YouTube) on in the background all day while I potter around the house.
Playing Scrabble or doing crosswords.
Buying flowers to put in vases at my kitchen window.
A walk if the weather's nice but, as a PP said, not if it's miserable and cold as that makes me feel worse!
In normal times, a lunch or dinner with friends, a swim in the pool, a potter around the local charity shops.