What You Do to Lift Your Spirits

Watching the birds at a backyard feeder. Cooking a favorite meal. Talking to a friend. Reading poetry. Going to the library. These are just some examples of the simple suggestions we received when we posed the question "What do you do to lift your spirits?" a few weeks ago in our newsletter, The Twice Weekly.

We all need a mental health boost now and then. Hopefully you'll find some advice from your fellow readers that will help you find a little joy.

Definitely doing stuff outdoors with a friend or two — often with my husband, but importantly not always, activities like:

• hiking
• swimming across a pond
• kayaking/canoeing
• cross-country skiing or skating
• working in my yard

Indoors:

• Planning a trip
• Talking with a friend on the phone
• Staring outside at the beautiful view across a pond
• Watching the birds at the feeder
• Sometimes, cooking a really great dinner

Nature experiences are totally reliable for lifting my spirits. There is so much beauty and complexity out there, far more than I will ever comprehend.

— Ann G.

When I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to meet the needs of relatives, or just feeling overwhelmed with all the things that I need to stay informed about as I age, I will:

• Read a Fantasy/Science Fiction novel about a female heroine who acknowledges mistakes but continues to try to resolve the issues in her life. Eventually she learns to appreciate various sources of support and manages to reduce if not eliminate the issues weighing her down.

• Locate a comic who can make me laugh just talking about everyday events

• Call a friend or relative to share moans and groans with or compare notes about dealing with aging as a single woman

— Pat W.

I live by myself. When I'm having a bad day or a bad week I watch children's programming on PBS. It raises my spirits.

Other things I do:

• Call a friend and visit; share that I am having a bad day

• Set up a time to meet a friend for coffee or lunch — something to look forward to

• Get outdoors

• Sit on the porch. Watch people walk by and people in the neighborhood, visit with a neighbor. Watch the birds and squirrels and other wildlife. Look at the plants and flowers in the yard.

• Do some form of exercise

• Read uplifting stories and books, poetry

• Sing and listen to music

• Watch a silly video or movie online

• Journal my feelings

• Fix a nice meal, something special just for me

• Complete a small task that will make me feel good

• Write a note, send a card

• Cry when I feel sad

• Go to a public place such as a library or grocery store, anywhere there are people and interact, even briefly, with others

• Talk to myself. Create and repeat a positive affirmation, something I would want someone to tell me for loving support.

Preventive Activities:

• Learn and practice meditation

• Learn and practice Tai Chi

• Read short uplifting spiritual messages in the morning and at night

• Keep a gratitude journal and add 3 things for each day that I feel grateful for

— Doris Y.

In an effort to boost her spirits and those around her, Next Avenue reader Rosemary W. started a band called "Oldies but Goodies." "It's doubled in size in the past two years," she told us. "We laugh and learn together."

I've started volunteering at our university hospital's NICU and it is like meditation. For 3 hours on Thursday afternoons my only concern is holding and comforting a tiny baby. They are all hooked up to monitors, so I sit and cuddle and try to calm my breathing and heartbeat, and watch the baby's heart rate slow and settle. No phones, no conversations, just trying to give this tiny, new person some comfort. I get more than I give and always come away feeling more in touch with my humanity.

— Jane J.S.

When I'm having a hard day, I pet my dog. It's the most healthful thing I can do for my mental health. Then I put on a favorite CD and pick up my knitting. At least I can be enriching my brain and accomplishing something with my project. And my dog feels better too.

— Mary H.

After the 2016 election, I spent the next six months selling 90% of my belongings (house, car, furniture, etc.). I then traveled for two years as a 50+ digital nomad, living in Wales and Poland, and traveling to 8 different countries. After waiting 25 years to see the UK, it was a dream come true to finally be there. After the 2020 election, I bought myself a new bed frame, new mattress, new dishes and completed a Master of Fine Arts degree. So essentially, I use the post-election time to enrich my life. I treat myself to something good that will add quality and happiness.

— Jill W.