And we’re back, after a short absence because of feeling a bit sad. This has been a feature of my life from time to time, so I’ve started some therapy but also have been thinking about small things we can do to lift our spirits just a little bit. Nothing earth shattering here, but these are things that have helped me. Try one at a time and see if anything helps you. And please talk to a friend or family member or go to your GP if you need more support.
Get outside – however down you’re feeling, a short trip outside will help. Walk about for preference. Even if it’s only the garden, or to the end of the road and back. Even if it’s only ten minutes. Even if it’s sticking your head out of the door and breathing some fresh air. Try every day and increase the time each day by a minute, if it’s all a bit much. Any exercise generally of course will also help you. But the walking is easy and the fresh air is good.
Talk to someone – even if you don’t fancy phoning a friend or talking to whoever might be in the house, going to the shop or the library and just exchanging pleasantries with someone around is nice. I had a good old chat with the lady in the post office today about the hell of clothes shopping and the inconsistency of sizing. Just made me feel a bit connected with someone.
Read something funny or charming – random suggestions include the Wind in the Willows; P G Wodehouse; Tom Sharpe; Gentlemen Prefer Blondes by Anita Loos; Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson; Diary of a Provincial Lady by E M Delafield; the Mapp and Lucia books, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke. You only need ten minutes to read a few pages and if you have more time than that, that’s even better.
Watch something funny or charming – random suggestions include the episode of Porridge when they’re in hospital; the episode of Absolutely Fabulous with the house fire; the episode of Only Fools and Horses with the chandelier; Fawlty Towers; Sense and Sensibility; Moonrise Kingdom; The Belles of St Trinians; an episode of Columbo. Or something Christmassy which will be a whole separate post of recommendations.
Meditation – I’ve been using an app called Insight Timer which has the huge benefit of being free. Have a look into meditation and be sure it’s suitable for you. If so, even five minutes a day to start with might give you a bit of peace.
Start your day better – this is really difficult of course if you have children and work or whatever but if you can start with a few minutes not looking at the phone or TV, thinking about two things each day you’re grateful for and maybe three deep breaths or five minutes meditation it can help.
Tidy up a bit – start small and work up, one counter or table or drawer at a time. And maybe two drawers the next day or the next week. Or clean something. One bath or one sink or one dressing table or one kitchen table. Or your handbag. Whatever you can manage. (Mind you, I read somewhere that starting the day by making your bed gives you a sense of achievement. Spoiler alert – it does not).
Bath or shower – nice and hot and really lather up.
Get off social media – for an evening at least. See above recommendations for walking, reading or watching something instead.
Again though, PLEASE seek help from your GP or someone else if you need more than this though. Best of luck. I believe in you x
Mrs McTwig 
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