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Lifting the spirits

(91 Posts)
NanKate Fri 03-May-19 11:40:21

I’ve been feeling rather down lately but having read some of the very sad situations of our GN members I decided to take myself in hand and improve matters.

I have gone out into the fresh air for a walk each day.
Reduced my time on the internet and returned to reading a book by one of my favourite authors.
Saved the life of a grasshopper who was crawling up the window in the lounge. ?

What do you do to improve your mood ?

GrannyLondon Sat 04-May-19 19:04:08

I am very sorry to hear about your Son Minerva.

Barmeyoldbat Sat 04-May-19 19:20:03

If the weather is dry a lovely cycle ride away from the roads. It use to be long walks and hikes but health problems make cycling easier. If its a bad day then I sit and sew or read.

bluebirdwsm Sat 04-May-19 19:26:46

Sometimes it's an effort but I force myself out for a walk somewhere where there is greenery, fields, trees, by a river or at a beach, and away from traffic. I feel better afterwards.

I did it today. People said 'Hi'...I saw a heron and a teenage boy asked what it was so we had a chat about herons...I saw a mother duck with 7 tiny ducklings... stroked a couple of dogs...found a lane to explore at another time. And decided to get a folding bike as the whole area is flat and traffic free. I enjoyed it all and the sunshine was lovely.

On cold, wet days I would go to a bookshop and then I'm in a different world browsing through the books. Or read at home and treat myself to something nice to eat. I would also eat out or go for a coffee and cake usually at a garden centre where the plants and flowers cheer me up.

I often go through the local paper and note down exhibitions, dog shows, flower shows, fairs or fetes, open days, coffee mornings, films at the cinema, evening talks etc...in my diary. Things to look forward to.

Alexa Sat 04-May-19 19:30:06

I go to sleep or try to drink a lot of water.

Grandmama Sat 04-May-19 20:21:15

Garden. Play the piano. Go for a walk. A little retail therapy. A bout of tidying up for example turning out a cupboard.

NanKate Sat 04-May-19 20:58:01

Minerva how tragic. ?

Thank you folks for all your great ideas. It’s so good to have GN friends and acquaintances to share problems with. You are such a sensible lot and have helped me get things into perspective.

Minerva Sat 04-May-19 22:32:35

Thank you for all the flowers and kind thoughts. I was very touched.

Destin Sat 04-May-19 23:07:50

If the weather isn’t good enough to spend an afternoon in my ‘happy place’ which is tending my (rented) allotment plot, then I head to the gym ..... and take a spinning class or a body fit class - both have great music. Both, or either, can quickly lift my mood if I am feeling a bit “blue”.

annep1 Sat 04-May-19 23:36:08

Minerva remembering you in my prayers flowers
I have been reminded to count my blessings.

BradfordLass72 Sun 05-May-19 00:04:35

Minerva You must be going through hell right now. Is there anything they can do to help him?

Kandinsky I don't wonder you went up in smoke after a whole bottle of gin.

My spirits were very much lifted by the kindness shown by a PM to me of bluebells in Emmetts Garden.
Memories of childhood days gathering them also made me feel better. Thank you Juliet. flowers

Daisyboots Sun 05-May-19 17:21:43

A virtual hug for you Minerva you must be really suffering for your son.
To cheer myself up at the moment is reading GN although the other day I just had to look at the titles on the newsletter to know that that day reading would just make me more down. Just 24 hours to go and I should know what is wrong with me and what treatment they are planning . I cant think of much else at the moment and I know that it also isnt helping my DH who suffers with PTSD. As walking is difficult at the moment. I just ask him to drive to the sea 10 miles away. Just sitting there watching the mighty Atlantic rolling in just seems to put everything into perspective and how small we are in the scheme of things

bikergran Sun 05-May-19 17:40:10

Minerva it must be so stressful and worrying for you.

kwest Sun 05-May-19 22:58:41

Do something on a voluntary basis regularly. You will hear enough tales of other people's difficulties to make you very grate for the life that you have.
Pottering in my greenhouse is very calming.
Noticing other people's kindness and trying to be kind at all times.

Gonegirl Sun 05-May-19 23:03:43

Watching our grass turn into a hay meadow does it for me. Something very peaceful about uncut grass.

Alexa Thu 09-May-19 11:39:00

I feel the same about uncut grass, Gonegirl. Grass at this time of year is so enthusiastically alive.