the "Feel Better" thread

[Orangaline]

So i know alot of us have our down days, me being in one at the moment thought it would be a good idea to start a thread where we could brainstorm or communicate our sure-fire ways for getting up and out of the dumps when life just generally brings us down.

ill go first of course,


Read something! It helps take your mind off of whatever is bothering you and you get to indulge in a world that is much better than your own, or relate to someone who is going through some of the struggles you are. The world of literature is positively endless, with its possibilities the same. If you need a place to find some free books then Wattpad.com might be suitable, its free to make an account and start reading right away.

[blink]

Good topic for a thread.

Spicy food. Gets those endorphins going.

Good tea or coffee.

Usually lifting weights. Not 100% guaranteed - if I'm having an off day and can't lift well it'll just make me feel worse, but that doesn't happen too much. Same deal here, endorphins, plus picking up something heavy makes me feel awesome.

Another not 100% guaranteed, but usually, video games.

[littleredrobinhood]

This isn't a very creative idea, but I guess I'll share anyway:

Step outside - somewhere without people or technology. For me, it helps if it's sunny out, too.

I don't know what it is about being alone outside during a sunny day, but it helps me relax..

It's what helped me calm down today, too. I just stepped out of the house and sat on the porch in the sunlight, just watching the trees sway, watching little bugs crawl around in the dirt, listening to the goats baa in the distance, etc.

I would have loved to go on a walk, too.. but I knew I'd get lost, so I didn't leave the yard. haha.

[Athena]

From what I understand smile, it helps trick the mind into improving your mood.

[pianoforte]

Private dance party in your underwear. Binder, boxers and loud music of your choice. Let out that frustration and let yourself just be.

Works for me.

[Edge]

Music helps for me.
Reminding myself of who and what I am usually does the trick.

[Athena]

What actually helped me out the last time I had a major melt down was watching John Pinnette and Gabriel Iglesias. Their humour really did help me cope.

[Bombadil]

Private dance party in your underwear. Binder, boxers and loud music of your choice. Let out that frustration and let yourself just be.

Works for me.

hahahaha

well, as someone else mentioned, exercise always helps.

But, if I really need a boost I get down on the floor and just be silly with the dogs. Talk about positive, happy energy. dogs are amazing.

toy? toy? TOY? toytoytoytoytoy. TOY!
tug? tug! tug tug tug tugTUGTUGTUG come on you wimpy human keep tugging.
toy! here's the toy! toy! get the toy!
tug! c'mon tug!

[LittleBoyBear]

I try to get to the dojo and train. Not a 100% solution, since sometimes I'll also have a bad training day, but most of the time it does the trick. I will also often go for a bike ride, or go for a drive, turn the music up and sing along...

[Ayden]

I walk down by the river or sit in the park. I always see the same old woman, I call her Taisho Grandma since she was born in the Taisho era (1920s). I've talked to her several times, but sometimes she doesn't see me. I like to imagine how the old folks lives went.

Music really helps. I love dance music so I have several pandora stations.

Baking! If you're a manly sort this one isn't for you, but there's nothing quite like it.

I also write as a (hopefully soon to be) profession and that helps me immensely.

And biking. I can bike for hours.

[Amato]

Veg out and netflix binge on breaking bad or something like it.

Make some comfort food. Rueben sandwiches, sausage, and steamed cabbage would do the trick. Or Lazy man's pierogi.

Take a looong walk in the sun.

If I had the means I'd train or exercise to take the edge off.

[adrian]

Great idea for a thread (and I'm sorry O that you're experiencing a down phase - you're not alone, we're here for you!)

My negative emotions are a big problem for me, and I struggle to find successful strategies, also to keep me from self harming.

What works reasonably well:

Audio-books, headphones, and a blanket over my head. My go to book is Harry Potter read by Stephen Fry.

Working out. I have days that I walk to the gym literally in tears, but I feel a lot better afterwards.

Talking to my therapist. He helps me put things into perspective.

Getting support from all of you guys at Susan's [emoji4]

[Frank]

If I'm having a really, really bad day where I can't cope with everything happening...

I go outside and smoke. Smoking is bad for your health of course but I like just standing out there. Looking at the sky. Not thinking about anything at all. It's actually a form of meditation. Push all the thoughts out of your head. Whatever is worrying you, just ignore it. Push it away. Empty your mind. There is nothing but the sky. Infinite. Stretching on.

I usually feel better after about ten or fifteen minutes. It also works for trying to sleep and there's too much on the mind.

[darkblade]

Boxing! Helps release all that anger (and make you feeling strong), but of course you need a boxing partner so it's kinda annoying when you don't have someone to box with..

Lately when I'm feeling down or pissed off I just take a walk and listen to some thrash metal. Pretty sure angry music doesn't really help with calming me down but.. Or punk rock, upbeat enough to help.

But really, what (almost) always works is just talking to people, doesn't have to be about what's bothering me. A decent conversation is always good.

[NathanielM]

I curl up on the couch with a pile of blankets and a movie. Having comfortfood helps too.

[PucksWaywardSon]

Not a lot to add that hasn't been suggested already, but for the music I'll also add playing my guitar...

Also at the end of a bad day ordering takeout, opening a bottle of something and rewatching a favorite movie is a pretty good way to go to bed feeling a bit better about the world.

[cathyrains]

I've been practicing mindfulness and meditation recently which has helped a lot when my emotions seem to want to spiral negatively out of control.

[alexclusive]

Listen to music that pumps you up and hit the gym.

[Mai]

going out for a nice long walk on the nearby 5mi river trail or the nearby park with headphones blasting and just let the world and stress melt away while.

[Jera]

I wish I knew. What can cheer me up one day can lead me into a downward spiral the next. Music that elated me will depress. Sometimes my nature walks bring me peace; others they make me feel isolated and even more alone. And so on.

I think the only thing that kind of consistently makes me feel better is my volunteer work at the local food shelf on Wednesdays.