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"Having fun"
is easy for most people but not for those of us living with depression
or anxiety or who just have an occasional case of "the blahs."
Experts agree, though, that pleasurable activities can be effective therapy.
It's difficult to
want to do things when we're feeling down. We're more likely to want
to stay inside and pull the shades, even if we know that's the worst thing
we can do for ourselves. It takes real effort to get out and do things,
but it will make us feel better.
 No,
enjoyable activities won't cure our depression or anxiety. But regular
relaxing and recreational activities reduce stress and fatigue, and improve
mood. They can boost our confidence and heighten our awareness.
Here's how to get
started: Make a schedule of activities to do in the next week. Then encourage
yourself to follow through. It's important to be easy on yourself. Don't
plan too much, too soon. Include activities that can be done alone or with someone else.
Don't
go it alone
Another
place, another mood
- Spend an afternoon
browsing in a bookstore or at the library.
- An art museum is
an ideal place to be soothed by the quiet and beauty all around.
- Linger in a coffee
shop over a latte and the morning paper. You can be among people without
an obligation to interact with anyone.
- Go shopping without
your credit card. Try on things you'd never buy, just for fun.
- Visit a neighborhood
playground and enjoy the contagious laughter of the children at play.
- Browse through
that eclectic part of town that has all the interesting gift shops,
flower stores and galleries. Use all your senses to enjoy the sights,
smells and textures.
- Take a drive. Explore
a neighborhood you've never been to, go to the mountains or the shore
if they're nearby. Get out and walk around.
Feed
the mind, feed the soul
- Praying to God
or an essence bigger than yourself can be peaceful and soothing.
- Take photographs:
nature scenes, historic architecture, city happenings.
- Enjoy a worthwhile
life enhancement book, such as The Art of Happiness by The Dalai Lama
or any of the books in the Mood bookstore.
 Schedule
some fun and learning. Sign up for a class - painting, yoga,
Spanish - you'll get out, be with people, and stretch your mind, muscles
or both. Call your local school district or city recreation department
for low-cost options.- Write in a
journal. No one needs to see it but you.
- Play a board game
or card game with a spouse or friend. The mental exercise is good therapy.
- Check out a how-to
video from the library and learn how to crochet, play guitar, photograph
landscapes, draw with pastels or teach your dog tricks.
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 Commune
with nature
- Take a walk around
a nearby lake.
- Do some gardening - fresh
air, sunshine, planting, snipping, enjoying the blossoms
- Drink your coffee
outside in the morning sun.
- Pack a picnic -
it doesn't have to be gourmet - and go to the park, alone or with a
spouse or friend.
- Enjoy a luxurious
visit to a hot springs, if there's one nearby.
- If your city has
a botanical gardens or any public gardens, stroll there and immerse yourself in the colors and fragrances
around you.
Get
in touch with your creative side
- Get in
touch with your inner child. Keep on hand a pack of crayons, a box of
watercolors, or a package of modeling clay and take them out for some
creativity.
- Cook
up an ethnic dish or bake some muffins.
- Knit
when you're stressed, lonely, sad or bored. It's soothing and creative,
and.doesn't require a lot of concentration.
 Relax
and refresh
- Listen
to music. How about some oldies or jazz?
Sing along.
- Meditate
- Enjoy a bubble
bath while you listen to soothing music
- Enjoy a cup of
fragrant tea.
Let's
get physical
- Take a swim. Your
city recreation department can tell you where to find the nearest pool.
- Walk the dog. Don't
have a dog? Consider getting one for better
mental wellness.
- Do some stretching
on a soft carpet or rug.
- Take a bike ride.
- Sex. Need we say
more?
Try
something different
- Organize some clutter.
(Some people find it's a real stress-reliever.)
- Get a haircut. It can rejuvenate
and boost your self image.
- Just don't have
the energy to go out, but you could use some entertainment? Go to web
sites that offer jokes, funny songs and games - Try
this one.
And
finally
- Print and tape
this list on your refrigerator.
Related
articles
How to relax when you're all wound up
Meditate to relax and revitalize
Walking to wellness
With a little help from my friends
Art is a way of knowing
Mood book store
Thanks to Elizabeth
W., Marty L., Kitty F., Joan L. for sharing their ideas.
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