[xRavenx]

I am looking for healthy ways to improve my mood through movies, hobbies, coping skills. Lately, I find that I only gravitate towards depressing songs, movies, etc. Although sometimes that provides me with comfort, because it's relatable, it's probably not good for me. But it's hard for me to think of what to do.

What cheers you up? i am looking for some new ideas. Thanks.

[Blue_Bird]

Watching funny videos on YouTube, drawing, coloring, reading, playing video games, journaling, having a hot cup of tea or coffee, playing with your pets if you have any, crossword puzzles/word search etc, crafts, baking. These are things that help me , I hope you find something to help you

[Merlin]

Accomplishing something, whether is be going for a walk, finishing a quilting square, making supper or completing an assignment. It’s uplifting for me to say, I did that.y

[Wander]

Being in very cold water for at least 2 minutes lifts my mood. A doctor told me about this. It works for anxiety too. The mood lift is temporary though, but just that few hour break is wonderful. The difficult part is getting yourself in that cold water, especially in winter. I now love doing it, and often swim in the cold ocean or have a cold shower regularly.

[xRavenx]

Thanks for the ideas, everyone!!

[fern46]

I find that spending time with others who carry the energy I am looking to adopt helps lift my own energy. I sit with them and observe and try not to bring them down with my own issues. Eventually, their state seems to rub off on me a bit.

Originally Posted by Merlin

Accomplishing something, whether is be going for a walk, finishing a quilting square, making supper or completing an assignment. It’s uplifting for me to say, I did that.y

This works for me too.

The trick is to set daily goals by choosing things that you know you can accomplish, even if it's something as simple as "make the bed." Don't think too far ahead -- just think in the moment.

If you want, you can journal your accomplishments or even come up with a "checklist" in the morning before you do anything.

I'm personally as checklist kind of person. I actually write down more goals than I can accomplish because I feel better when I am given "options" instead of being "forced" into doing everything, if that makes sense. And of course, whatever you don't finish, you can save for tomorrow or the next day, or the day after that.

[Sometimes psychotic]

Look for comedies if you’re going to watch movies.....if you’re listening to music pick something with a faster beat, pop, EDM etc. I’ve been listening to Christmas music in Spanish, it’s a little more lively than typical American Christmas music and you can get it on google play as a free station.

[xRavenx]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

This works for me too.

The trick is to set daily goals by choosing things that you know you can accomplish, even if it's something as simple as "make the bed." Don't think too far ahead -- just think in the moment.

If you want, you can journal your accomplishments or even come up with a "checklist" in the morning before you do anything.

I'm personally as checklist kind of person. I actually write down more goals than I can accomplish because I feel better when I am given "options" instead of being "forced" into doing everything, if that makes sense. And of course, whatever you don't finish, you can save for tomorrow or the next day, or the day after that.

I think I need to do more of this. I have picked up on the fact that I always think far ahead, instead of staying in the moment. I worry constantly about the next thing and the thing after that.

[Pookyl]

I find going out into the sunshine helps. Bright lights indoors also help as does going for a walk.

[Fuzzybear]

Thanks for this thread. Music, colouring, walking in nature... also spending time around people who have the sort of energy I want to adopt as Fern suggested...

I find many things to give me simple pleasures. Many of which have already been mentioned. Baking, cooking, nature, music, comedies, writing, music, little projects that I can accomplish quickly but that give me high satisfaction, and more.

Sometimes I need to change my environment. I'll go to the local cafe for a small coffee or to the local pizzeria where the guys there always smile at me. One guy usually gives me a hug and sometimes kiss. There is also a guy that works at the grocery store that often gives me a hug. I kinda like getting hugs from guys My husband knows and just rolls his eyes. Actually, the grocery store can be kind of fun in itself. Since I love to cook and bake, I always have some things I want to get. I'm not really a hyperspender, but I do like shopping for groceries. Occasionally I'll allow myself to go to the kitchenwares store. That's more dangerous.

I smile at people in public, a lot. And say hello. That's very well received most of the time. People have hectic days and really need some bits of friendly interaction. In return, I usually get a very pleasant response.

[Rick7892]

Originally Posted by Wander

Being in very cold water for at least 2 minutes lifts my mood. A doctor told me about this. It works for anxiety too. The mood lift is temporary though, but just that few hour break is wonderful. The difficult part is getting yourself in that cold water, especially in winter. I now love doing it, and often swim in the cold ocean or have a cold shower regularly.

Wow, my first reaction is shivering and I am self-harming by doing cold showers. So I did some research and found that cold showers or cold swimming can help anxiety and depression and there were tips on how to get used to it. "Cold turkey" cold showers doesn't sound good to me! :-)

One source gives me pause though because the person likes it because when she first tried it, it made her feel "euphoric" (I Tried Cold Showers for Stress & Anxiety—Here's What Happened - WELL Insiders).

Hmmm, so I wonder if euphoria is common with cold showers? With my bipolar, euphoria is a signal to me that I am off into mania.

[Underdevelopment]

Trying to make someone else laugh or feel good about themselves.

Photography. Taking the photo and then coming up with a name that i would use of i was to display it.

Painting my toes.

Having a really full on cry.

Waiting til tomorrow whilst I hide under my rock and tell myself everyone has bad days.

The cold shower is an adrenaline response, one which personally I know I would have to be very careful with. Stimulation without adrenaline is better for me. E.G. Bungie jumping was a huge high. It lead to a huge crash a few days later. I know I can't rely on adrenaline to keep me high or happy. Its like having 10 coffees a day, short term feel great full of energy, long term crash and burn.

If it works for someone else though, go for it. That's what amazes me. Same diagnosis, yet what works and doesn't work individually is so different.

[*Beth*]

Going to a coffeehouse or cafe, shopping (seriously, if I have to be honest); it's not just getting "stuff"...it's being with people and looking at nice things. Even online shopping can be kinda fun.In nice weather, flowers pick up my mood. The library (real paper books)...and a good novel to read. Watching baseball. A movie that's good enough to spend time watching. Manicures/pedicures, getting my hair done.

Anyway, those are the things that come to mind and I'm kind-of embarrassed 'cause most of them cost money. I guess when I have some money I feel happier.

[LadyShadow]

I am not a gamer by ANY means - but I always find starting a game online can be a lot of fun - creating your character, entering a world - doing whatever can be a nice lift to your mood. It isn't the point of playing the game all the time but just for a little while to make you feel good -especially if the characters are cute!!

[Rick7892]

So many good ideas!

One thing that I haven't seen mentioned that I have started again is slowly rocking in a rocking chair when I am agitated in anxiety. I have found that if do about two rocking cycles per 5 seconds for at least 10 minutes, I settle down. I do 10 minutes before bedtime as habit now to wind down from the day, and help fall asleep easier. But if I rock too fast, I get amped up. The speed of rocking makes a difference for me. Keeping my mental focus on the gentle rocking also helps me put the focus on the rocking and not what is going on in my head.

If I wake up at night and can't fall asleep because my mind won't let me rest, getting up and slowly rocking for at least 10 minutes helps me calm down. I can go back to bed, lay down, and sleep peacefully for the rest of the night. For me, it is a lot better than tossing and turning that makes me feel worse.

And I have had nights where with just rocking before bedtime, I have slept deeper and better than I have in a long time.

It doesn't work all the time to completely calm me, but it helps. Sometimes anything that helps is most welcome!

[Fuzzybear]

Rocking in a rocking chair, great idea

[xRavenx]

Originally Posted by Fuzzybear

Rocking in a rocking chair, great idea

Such an adorable picture!

[cashart10]

Spending time with someone I love and not discussing my problems or negative emotions, watching comedies, adult coloring, cooking.

[singularity01]

Running 3 miles (either treadmill or outside). It always works to make me feel better for a little while. It gives me a sense of accomplishment. If that was the only thing I did that day, it wasn't a total loss because I kicked *** on that run.

[Nammu]

Movement helps too. Koop music, especially gangnam style horse dance. Even if I can't stand up doing those movements from a seated position help. Ride-em cowboy!

[Sunflower123]

Oh that reminds me of my beloved disco music! It’s hard to be down when you’re shaking your groove thing. Also, totally changing your environment (like going out to eat or to a coffee house), accomplishing small tasks and watching comedies are some things I do. You’ve got lots of good advice here.