Ideas for activities to lift you when tired or depressed

[Elizabeth CP]

When I'm very tired or stressed whether due to MH issues or just other circumstances I struggle to do anything. The problem with this is that I then have too much time for negative thoughts which feed into my depression & anxiety creating a vicious circle.

I would like to generate a list of things which can be done when short of physical or mental energy which distract me from the negative thoughts and leave me feeling better rather than worse.

I would love it if others can share ideas to help each other. What works in one situation won't work in another

My ideas

Read a book

Suduko

Sort or label photos

Drive to a nice location and focus on pleasant surroundings

phone a friend or relative

have a shower

sit beside a lake or river with feet in the water

[Matchy69]

I have about 2 thinks that can lift me in my depression
*Going for a motorbike ride
*Seeing my kids and grandkids .

[quirkywords]

Looking in an op shop

laughing with a granddaughter playing keepy uppy with a balloon

looking t children’s books

poetry

[Elizabeth CP]

Thank you for the varied ideas. I'm currently restricted to one hand due to a fractured wrist so many things normally suitable are no longer possible. I guess that reminds us to have a range of choices because different activities are suitable to different people or in different times.

[geoff]

Hello Elizabeth CP, ouch, I'm so sorry about your wrist, that's why all of us should be taught how to write, draw, use a hammer or a screwdriver with either hand if in case this restricts us by being out of action for 6 weeks.

All of these basic but very dependable activities as well as CPR are never considered as being a major skill that at some time we need to use, and as kids, it needs to be taught.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[ypla]

Taking a walk and discovering new things without the internet. Yesterday I found out there is a free karaoke booth in cbd, and I'm going to be practising to sing next week after shaving my head for charity. Few days ago I discovered a pub with a setting that I like, an arcade station with retro games and many more. I was feeling not too good few days ago too but it's all about finding a bit of strength and seizing the moment. This whole thing feels like a stock market, it's got ups and downs but when you find the right moment you shall capitalise on it.

[ecomama]

Hey Elizabeth CP, great thread topic!

My go to list includes alot of self-care:

~ sleep beautiful sleep lol

~ nap! Even if I have to set my alarm for 30 mins, napping is loverly.

~ rest in bed. Bit of a theme going on here lol!!

~ eat something enjoyable, pomegranates and oranges are my faves atm. Yum!

~ listen to a podcast, Brene Brown is talking to me right now! Great company.

~ watching nature, seeing the birds flit in my bird baths, watching the chickens eat, seeing a tree move in the wind, beautiful things like that.

~ did I mention sleep? oh yeah I did lol.

~ a scrubby bath. Running a warm bath, with bubbles or nice scrubs for my body. Using brushes or sponges or whatever suits my mood.

~ finishing off with lovely smelling body creams. Skin food is my fave. Morengo or gardenia fragranced are nice too.

~ painting my nails.

~ throwing out unwanted paperwork.

Off for a bath and some spoiling right now!

EM🌈

[Guest_1643]

face mask

brushing my teeth 🙂

painting my nails

A hot drink - even coffee from the servo for 2 dollars makes me feel bit better

Decluttering - choosing one space and getting stuck into it

going to the library or bookshop if you have one near you and browsing through the covers

journalling

going through all my texts and emails and reading/responding to unanswered ones (could apply to BB threads)

sitting on the floor/grass and meditating. i find it grounding and like a big relief/exhale to sit crosslegged - see the world from another angle for a bit 🙂

[Guest_1643]

em sorry i echoed your painting nails!

i've done mine again last week - it was fun!

i so so wish i had a bath.... it is such a relaxing thing

you can buy rose petals which melt in the bath

i also like lighting a candle around the house, it makes me feel instantly more settled.

[Doolhof]

After a rough day at work today I needed to chill out at home.

It had been drizzling with rain. I took a walk in the garden and really looked at the different leaves, flowers, the soil, tree bark and noticed the glistening, refreshed textures.

Noticing the beauty around me helped to lift my spirits.

Walking helps me as well. I like to take photos of interesting things I see, a nice view, a colourful flower perhaps. Later on I can look at these images and that helps to brighten what may be a darker moment at some stage.

Nature can rejuvenate.

[geoff]

Hello Ypla, finding a bit of strength and seizing the moment of the day, is to make the most of your day and not to be putting things off or relying on the future, because with this illness we are never sure how we'll feel tomorrow, so if it's possible and there is a slight spark today then don't let it pass without trying to enjoy what you weren't able to have yesterday.

This can be totally inspiring and could be the breaking point for you to have another day where you might be stimulated, even if it's just half a day.

Don't forget there could be an opportunity just waiting for you that you can now recognise, whereas before this was impossible.

Best wishes.

Geoff.