Sometimes when my mood is low I need to count my blessings very carefully.
- Simple things such as having food and shelter we take for granted in this country. Rather than depressing me, as some may think, I will sometimes watch the news to remind myself that other peoples lives are often much much worse than mine.
- I have a diary and always manage to have something in it for the future. Maybe its simply a coffee with a friend next week. Or planning a day out next month to the countryside or art gallery. We all need something to look forward to. Currently I’m trying to find things to put in for January and February. They can often be the worst months as Xmas has drained us financially and emotionally. Just a visit to the cinema or walk around the park with a friend or family member can lift the spirit.
- If you have a mobile phone or an address book just go through it and remind yourself of the people in your life. At each name try and remember a good memory you have with that person. Sometimes this will jog your memory to contact someone you’ve not seen in a while. Make the call. Life can be busy and people may not have been in touch for many valid reasons. Just a quick chat can help you feel better. And they will often be grateful you have phoned them.
- Dig out the old photos. Remind yourself of the daft clothes you once wore and the fun times you had in the past. Sometimes memories can be painful so sort out all your favourite happy snaps and put them in an album to look at again in the future.
- Keep mementoes of all your trips out. Cinema tickets, leaflets of places visited and even places you want to visit can be great reminders of good times and help in planning trips out.
- Treating yourself to something is lovely. But often we don’t have much money to do this. Places like Poundland and Primark are great for this. With just a fiver you can end up with a bag of goodies that can really cheer you up. I love the feel of new socks so I sometimes buy a pack of 6 from Primark and treat myself to a new pair every day for almost a week! Or in Poundland buy yourself some bubble bath and enjoy a few lovely scented candles. Treats don’t need to be expensive. Its the small things that often can make you smile the most.
What helps you feel good?
Phoenix is the editor of this site and was diagnosed with bipolar twenty years ago. In between 8 periods of illness and hospitalisation she trained as a garden designer and was a awarded an RHS Diploma, gained a first class degree in Cultural Studies and a Certificate in Education that enables her to lecture in Recovery in Mental Health to psychiatric nurse students and mental health professionals at universities.
Phoenix leads a diverse life which she attributes to Wellness Recovery Action Planning and all aspects of Recovery. In the last 2 years she performed stand up comedy. Laughter truly is the best medicine! Now she is concentrating on being involved in improving conditions for inpatients and service receivers trustwide. And training in WRAP, Recovery Star and the new Advanced Statement and some gardening for health. Also with some great new art projects. 
I agree with everything in this article. I always like to have something to look forward to, especially at this time of year when it’s cold and the dark nights make me feel like staying in or hibernating!
Like you’ve said, something simple like a scented bubble bath or putting on all your warm clothes and walking in the park with a friend can lift the spirits and make you feel better. I love lighting candles too, to make the atmosphere feel warm and cosier.