How do you cheer yourself up?

[Metalhead]

My mood has been down due to a double whammy combo of SAD and sleep apnea. Not much is bringing me pleasure these days, and I know it is all chemical. So, how does one cheer himself up under circumstances like this?

 

[VictorR]

When I'm sad, I usually get some comfort foods, and then go to bed early, tuck myself in, and watch a favourite movie or TV show episode.

Hopefully you'll feel better soon, especially with spring just around the corner.

 

[Yeshuasdaughter]

Are you taking vitamin D? Full spectrum lighting? Even a strand of Christmas lights can help. Fresh air, and sunshine also are wonderful. Especially in this season, when it's not too hot, as long as it isn't raining or too cold, you can get a lot of time outdoors.

Focus only on those things that bring you joy. For a temporary time, pretend like all negativity in the world does not exist. Focus on gratitude. Do the things that make you happy.

Maybe visit a local park. Do you have a car? The coast or mountains are not too far from your area. Get out of Dodge and see something new.

 

[Progster]

Spring is on its way

 

[DaisyRose]

I like to write my thoughts down in my journal to get my feelings out. It usually helps me pinpoint the root cause of why I feel sad. I sometimes like to get all of my emotions out by crying as well. I do this by watching sad videos or tv shows.

My mom usually picks up on my shift in mood, so she will confront me and ask what’s going on. I will talk to her about it and I will feel better afterwards. I hope you feel better soon. I know what it’s like to feel crappy and struggle how to get out of the mood.

 

[Rodafina]

Engaging in special interests helps me.

Fresh air and movement, no matter how down you feel.

Playing games on here.

Buying a new comic or art book.

 

[Au Naturel]

I don't, really. I let time do its thing, and the mood goes away.

If I'm feeling depressed, nothing I can easily do will change it. The world has been painted black. Forcing myself to watch a movie while I'm depressed ruins the movie. The same thing is true of almost anything else. Taking a nap might be the most effective strategy.

Exercise and nature are more preventative strategies.

 

[Rodafina]

@Metalhead, do you have a pet?

 

[touchofthetism]

i listen to my fav song dai the flu- deftones

 

[Slime_Punk]

Definitely special interests. I'm not sure if there's any magic to creating things or if that's just my personal special interest, but that's typically what I like to do when I'm dealing with my health issues and have free time.

And as @Rodafina mentioned, pets. My dogs are literal angels to me and I just don't get that much attention from people, so it can be really rewarding to hang out with beings who gush over you like you're a celebrity

 

[Skittlebisquit]

So hey man missed you. One thing is to record the moods and compare with records of diet and exercise. See if there is a cycle to it. For me there is

I want a manic and obsessive mind at times it makes me a better artist. Sometimes depression is not just diet and fatigue but also the scene you are in. Clean the house up.

Helping others, learning new skills, achieving impossible goals, voice communication, exercise, all seem to help with sadness. Get the motor spinning faster, without taking chems. As the body gets exercised so the diet becomes inspired.

 

[Darkkin]

A mood light can help, but proactive habits like taking a short walk to take advantage of the lengthening days or sitting outside on a break at work can all help.

As little as fifteen minutes of light exposure can significantly reduce SAD symptoms.

And as much as people complain about, exercise and being physically active is still one of the most effective forms of endorphin production.

Other small things like having a tidy space and a living plant can help. Our environments play a significant role in our overall mental health.

Definitely take time to invest in special interests and creative outlets (e.g. movie reviews), too.

 

[AprilR]

With food, doing my makeup, and reading/watching things i enjoy

 

[Darkkin]

Self compassion and a bit of compromise can also help with the guilt and anxiety that often go hand in hand with depression. Simply doing as much as you feel comfortable doing rather than having a list of things and not doing any of it.

 

[Ken]

My mood has been down due to a double whammy combo of SAD and sleep apnea. Not much is bringing me pleasure these days, and I know it is all chemical. So, how does one cheer himself up under circumstances like this?

Nice quiet nature trail hike.

 

[Kisa the tea]

My go tos are:
-Spending time with partner
-playing games
-taking a nap with something relaxing on in the background

 

[Georgia Galaxy]

My mood has been down due to a double whammy combo of SAD and sleep apnea. Not much is bringing me pleasure these days, and I know it is all chemical. So, how does one cheer himself up under circumstances like this?

Aww I'm sorry about your experience with SAD and sleep apnea *hug*. Well, personally I would listen to music, snuggle in bed, read, or use the internet for fun things, see what's in your YouTube recommendations or watch a comforting movie you are familiar with, doing comforting things can help you get through. I even feel like doing that now just to calm myself ^^

 

[Metalhead]

I feel like watching tragic movies and feeling some catharsis in sadness. I probably should do something else entirely.

 

[Rodafina]

I feel like watching tragic movies and feeling some catharsis in sadness. I probably should do something else entirely.

What makes you say you should do something else?