10 feel-good activities to try when depressed

Your circumstances will begin to change once you change your perspective.

One thing I learned in the last few years; is that happiness starts within. And it’s not found in expensive events or possessions. Sometimes all you need is to find a small way to return to what really matters to you. To find that missing piece that can bring your happiness back. We have our ups and downs, and that’s just life, but in the midst of it all, here is a list of feel-good activities to try when you feel depressed.

Take a walk in nature

Nature has been scientifically proven to help not only with your physical health but also emotional health. It helps with your short-term memories and also your immune system. The benefits from a simple walk in the park are countless. We have time to think and breathe fresh air.

Read a book

I used to love reading books when I was younger, and somehow I lost the habit of just sitting down and taking a few hours to just read. We live in such a fast-paced society that we don’t have many occasions to just read a book for the pleasure of it, and I think it’s time to change that.

Declutter 1 room in your place.

My personal favorite feel-good activity. I feel like when the space around me is clean and decluttered, my mind gets clear and decluttered, and I almost automatically start feeling better.

Meditate

It can be a 5-minute session or an hour session. Whenever life gets a bit too much, just pause it a moment and meditate. Push back all the taught that are harmful to you and relax. Then with a clear mind, you can try to find a solution to your problems.

Try a new recipe

There is something so therapeutic in cooking something new, especially if it turned out tasty. It could be something small and easy, but it will show you that you can accomplish something you didn’t think you could.

Have yourself a marathon movie day

We all deserve one day of doing absolutely nothing and staying in front of the tv. Choose your favorite franchise and just watch all the movies you can in 1 day. Make it an event, have food delivered, turn off your phone, and just enjoy yourself.

Go a day without social media

We live in a very connected society, yet we are not really connecting on a deep level with anyone. And we get so much information thrown at us all the time it’s hard to enjoy your life. Also, it’s hard to not compare our lives with everyone’s highlights. So one thing I like to do is go one day without social media to refocus on myself and my goals.

Go on a vacation/gateaway

Everyone needs a change of scenery from time to time. It doesn’t have to be a crazy vacation or an expensive one. You can leave to your neighboring town for the weekend and just spend time with yourself. Go to a spa or have a picnic in the park, do whatever makes you feel at peace. Then you will come back full of energy and positive vibes.

Have a game night with friends

A game of monopoly, a bit of twister, and finishing up with Pictionary… you get the gist of it! Take some time to have fun with your friends. Sometimes, when we feel depressed, we will isolate ourselves thinking it will feel better or because we are scared to annoy our friends but in reality, a night out with friends will make you feel ten times better. For a little while, you will forget about your problems.

Try journaling

When you don’t feel so great, one way to get you out of it is to journal. It’s a great outlet to get your fears and feelings out in the open. It lets you understand what you are going through and process your thoughts. It’s a great daily exercise to do.

I hope this article was helpful to you, and you get to do some of these feel-good activities! If you need more ideas, you can read this article and this one.

Let me know in the comments below what are some simple things that make you happy! Sometime, lighting up a candle can make the whole difference.

Until next time,

Sofyah,