Ways people make themselves feel better

Hi all

I was just sitting here thinking (while my boyfriend watches boring golf!) of what makes me feel happy in the winter. The best thing i can think of is remembering times in my life when i was really happy, shut my eyes and try to imagine being there again.

In 2005 Chris and i went travelling for 7 months and that is the first year i didnt feel the SAD as bad as i normally do. Maybe that was cos we travelled through warm countries and were in OZ during our winter time. I also did many activites ive never done before such as skydiving, scuba diving, zorbing, swimming with dolphins etc. It made me think, if i make an effort to do something that makes me feel really happy each week, maybe the symptoms of sad wont seem to bad. Also if i plan something ive never done before i can look forward to it and plan for it, keeping my mind on something other than the weather outside!

****This year in October i did another skydive for charity (Last Chance Animal Rescue) which made me feel good in one of my worst times of the year. We also took our annual hol to Tobago in November and are planning a Spa weekend soon. Basically trying to focus on positive things i find helps me, reading holiday brochures or researching possible things to do in the future (i want to do a great white shark cage dive next!). Obviously you cant do that all day long, especially with working full time, but i try to have some 'escape' time every day, even if it means having a long bath or something. Got to go back to work Monday which im dreading cos i cant just hide under the covers until 11.00, but im setting my lumie alarm for 7.00 every day so i am finding im waking up naturally now just before 7, fresh for the day ahead. Im actually curious to see if i have a better week next week since i got my light box and alarm!

What does everyone else do to try and alleviate symptoms at this time of year? Ive read posts on peoples routine ie lightbox. alarm, walks etc but just wondered if anyone does anything like me and try to escape in your head as it were!

I also do lots of drawings and paintings which i find very theraputic.

Interested to hear what others do

March is nearly here! What date do the clocks finally change this year?

Kirst :lol: