I like sdn's helpful list of things to do to cheer yourself up when you're depressed. See it here. I am not particularly depressed today (yay!) but may do some of these anyway, just for fun.
In the fall and winter, I take hot baths with a book and a glass of brandy.
When somebody sends me a complimentary E-mail (or LJ comment), I save it into a folder called "kudos" that I pull out when the incompetence demons are screaming at me.
This one's specific for anxiety attacks rather than depression, but: I take a nap. Under the covers, with a timer so I don't have to wake myself up. Warm and quiet. If necessary, I cover my eyes and use earplugs.
(Not good for people with allergies) Bury your face in a warm, fuzzy pet animal. Inhale deeply. Put your face up close and level with the pet. Talk to it. Say very inane things. Watch the pet's expression.
Make a cup of tea (herbal if you prefer.) Drink it slowly.
(from alt.recovery.clutter) Specific for when you feel like your life is out of control and you're paralysed and despairing: Do One Small Thing. Throw out one piece of paper, wash one dish, do one load of laundry, make your bed. Often doing one thing gives you the energy to do more; and even if it doesn't, at least you've done that one thing.
Attack your pillow fiercely and viciously. Yell into it, if it's a bad time to yell out loud. Punch it, worry it, twist it, shake it, pound it, kick it.
(no subject)
Date: 2005-05-29 05:46 pm (UTC)When somebody sends me a complimentary E-mail (or LJ comment), I save it into a folder called "kudos" that I pull out when the incompetence demons are screaming at me.
(no subject)
Date: 2005-05-29 06:15 pm (UTC)(Not good for people with allergies) Bury your face in a warm, fuzzy pet animal. Inhale deeply.
Put your face up close and level with the pet. Talk to it. Say very inane things. Watch the pet's expression.
Make a cup of tea (herbal if you prefer.) Drink it slowly.
(from alt.recovery.clutter) Specific for when you feel like your life is out of control and you're paralysed and despairing: Do One Small Thing. Throw out one piece of paper, wash one dish, do one load of laundry, make your bed. Often doing one thing gives you the energy to do more; and even if it doesn't, at least you've done that one thing.
Attack your pillow fiercely and viciously. Yell into it, if it's a bad time to yell out loud. Punch it, worry it, twist it, shake it, pound it, kick it.
Read books aloud.
Make vegetable soup.
Bake muffins.
(no subject)
Date: 2005-05-29 08:08 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-05-29 08:08 pm (UTC)Apart from that, listening to cheerful music and going out somewhere to watch birds are two of the other things that tend to be cheering.
(no subject)
Date: 2005-05-30 04:17 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-05-30 06:05 am (UTC)