Lifting the spirits

Minerva - I am so sorry to read about your son

Oh Minerva

First of all, huge thumbs up to you, NanKate, for recognising your wee downer and dealing with it in a practical and simple way. I like your style. I'm fortunate to have a river nearby and I walk the banks regularly. Very calming and enjoyable. I also resort to my garden or the potting shed if weather is inclement. Always mind appeasing stuff to do there. Another resort is my diary where I seek out the next 'fun' appointment and revel in looking forward to the occasion no matter how small. I'm very much a people person so I'd probably use telephone conversations rather than snuggling down with a book. All in all, consider myself really fortunate and sincerely hope things have bucked up for you.

Minerva

Me too

DIY and gardening, but really any diversionary activity, even crosswords when I am too exhausted to be on my feet. My son has an aggressive brain tumour and I am so anxious about him and my DIL and GCs that I am beyond miserable if I don’t keep busy. I can’t read; it just doesn’t take me to another place any longer.

I look at art books - Matisse with his bright colours especially does it for me and Chagall always makes me smile. To regain a sense of perspective, I get out of the house - it doesn't matter where: garden, shops, countryside, friends etc.

I sing out loud M0nica at the top of my voice. It doesn’t sort my problems out but I enjoy it and the people around me have no choice but to listen.
I have just been doing it a few minutes ago in my guest house dining room whilst cleaning up the dirty dishes and tables (I still cringe though as I pick the greasy/jammy knife off the tablecloth)

Its music for me. Sometimes music I know releases my emotions, and I have a good cry.
Other times music that lifts me and I ding loudly (and out of tune ) to!
Or I put my music (stored in my phone) on shuffle and take pot luck.

I feel ashamed now reading these. I'm often inclined to wallow and wait for it to pass. Other than that I buy sonething to treat myself or send the children/grandchildren a present. Knowing I've done something nice for then cheers me up. I must try a nice walk next time.

A long walk or pottering around in the garden.
Also love to curl up with a good book and go to a fitness class.

any distraction technique,exercise etc I do chi gung, a bit like tai chi but more of a healing tradition,it helps me a lot.Its also uselful if you can to look at meditation,and a technique which looks at your thought process. good luck

Lots of good advice here. If I am down, I go to the shops and treat myself. Maybe stay for lunch. However a good walk along the canal in the fresh air is a cheaper option.

I sing to myself (wisest way for me to sing) and start moving briskly.

Oldandgreyvim the same knit knit knit!it really calms me but I must admit watching telly helps and returning to read old favourite authors. Yes a tonic.

Thanks crazyH - I just checked and I have won 2 x £25 on the Premium Bonds!!

Oldgaijin

Your foster mutt sounds great company Okdgaijin.

Yes lyn I will try and spot some bluebells today.

A daily walk in the woods with my foster mutt usually works for me, especially when he meets more doggie pals for a romp and chase. We both come home smiling.

Oh, go to the woods! The bluebells are out. Had such a lovely walk last weekend. The 'lift of my spirit' has lasted me all week.

Nankte. Bradfordlass ....so sorry you are feeling down. And all the others who are feeling low.
For some reason I am on a high and can't settle down to sleep even though it's 12.46. I am a bad sleeper at the best of times. But today i just can't relax. Nothing particularly has happened today...oh yes I won on the premium. Bond , for some reason I can't type the numbers, won twenty five pounds. Anyway must try and sleep , goodnight x

Walking is out for me due to disability. I can't drive or use buses and unless someone takes me out, I'm confined to my home and often get 'cabin fever'

I sing sometimes - alone and with the doors shut so the neighbours don't complain.

I go to an elders group, but not if I'm feeling miserable; swim therapy is good (there's a shuttle to the pool but it has to be booked 24 hours ahead) but again, if I am very down, I have no impetus to do it.

I live near the bush so birds are lovely but if I'm really miz, none of this can cheer me.

There's no one I can ring to come for coffee, so I just have to wait for it to pass - and it usually does.

I'm not really the 'sad sack' this makes me sound, it's just that due to a visual handicap, I cannot do any of the things which used to cheer me up, such as getting out of the house, going to the beach, taking a picnic to the park etc.

I find a walk in the fresh air can lift my mood but appreciate that this advice is not suitable for anyone who can't get out and about.

Also TV. If you search hard enough, there are some very good programmes which take you out of yourself.

If you have a real problem, this advice won't work but it can get someone out of the doldrums.

Good book, light the fire, scented candles, cup of tea, always does it for me!

Listening to the birdsong first thing in the morning-----knowing I'm alive ! I just love nature at this time of the year with all the colourful flowering trees and shrubs. Magic ! I don't ask for much.