What Helps You Feel Better?

[Racer]

Life can be depressing at times. When you are feeling down, what helps lift your mood?

[ramakentesh]

In general I try to do something fun and try to forget about what is troubling me. I like fishing and hanging out in my vegie patch.

Sometimes I call some friends. Some of them have pretty crazy lives and by thinking about their problems I can forget my own.

if its POTS related really I find keeping my mind busy or just sleeping it out is the best way to go for me. I try to take licorice occasionally as it helps POTS but also improves mood somewhat as it has effects on serotonin levels subtely.

Often you find with POTS its about just getting through the bad times.

[Guest Alex]

I look up fun stuff online, watch some light fun movies, keep up with my hobbies, play with my cat, chat with friends...oh and chocolate lots of it.

when nothing works I cry myself to sleep ...pathetic, I know, but I'm still learning to deal with this illness

Alex

[AussieOI]

Rama when you talk of licorice do you mean licorice root as a supplement or the sweet black stuff ?

[ramakentesh]

Either but the supplement root is better. Doesn't work for everyone though.

[AussieOI]

Thanks Rama - I bought one to try that has 425mg per capsule - you have one that's stronger or weaker?

[ramakentesh]

Did you get those from herbosophy?

[Joann]

With this rollercoaster of a ride with POTS, I admit there are times, especially when I am really sick and unable to do anything, that I am just depressed. Sometimes just crying lets it out. But when I can, I try to get busy, call someone, get on the internet, if my body will allow it- get out in the fresh air.

Last year, when I really couldn't do much, I would go in the back yard and lay on a lawn chair in the sun. I would doze, or read, or even watch/listen to t.v. in the garage. But being outside helped. For me, being enclosed in the house drives me crazy. I am one of those that can't handle cold, but I am okay with heat, so I can't wait for spring. This weekend it may get to 50!

[badhbt]

Well usually a nice glass of wine and a hot bath would lift my spirits, but those are out now

[Joann]

Omg, badhbt, I nice glass of wine or an ice cold beer on a sunny day!!!!

[AllAboutPeace]

Sunshine! Makes a huge difference for me. Today is the first day of sunshine we've had in awhile, so I'm soaking it up. It's only 1 degree Celsius so I'm not in a swimsuit, and there is a foot of snow at my feet, but I'll take it...

Joann, I hear you about waiting for spring, I don't handle the cold well at all either.

As others have mentioned, trying to keep things positive. If I watch tv it's comedy or something pretty neutral. I also watch Ted Talks on-line that are inspirational, creative or funny. There are soo many 'ordinary' people doing amazing things - it does help to get me out of my own world for a little while.

Music is also something that I rely on a lot, if I need a pick-me-up or something to relate to when I feel like those around me 'don't get it' and I'm too exhausted to try to explain. Like sunshine, music feeds my soul

[badhbt]

@ Joann....ahhh a nice cold beer. I wonder if I could tolerate the non-alcoholic beer?

[Kellysavedbygrace]

2 litters of saline IV

Or

2 days flat on my back

[Tobiano]

I agree - TV, Ted Talks, talking to a good friend, and sometimes just having a good cry. Let's not forget the tall glass of gatorade. You can pour it in a wine glass if you want!

[Katybug]

Yes, at 38 any of the Harry Potter movies or books still puts a smile on my face. Also, snuggling with my dog or one of my kitties (or all of them at once like a big furry love sandwich.) Reading, slowly working on my little home improvement projects so I can feel accomplished at something (it took me 2 months to paint one room with no furniture in it but I felt good about it each time I got a little done.) I have a blockbuster membership where they mail 1 movie to me at a time so I save that each week for a day I can't really be upright and have to stay in bed/couch. TED talks are also really good and free! If I am not well enough to drive bit can do upright things in short spurts I walk the dog or play with her in the backyard if leaving the property seems like a bad idea (this helps get some sunshine too which always helps me as I'm an outdoorsy kind of gal.) I have been turning the radio on and up lately when I clean and I find it helps me keep my mind off my cleaning struggles (pots and eds are a bad combo for cleaning.) I try to make sure I open the curtains everyday so it is bright in the house. I think it's good for the soul. And opening the windows whenever weather allows. I've also started to coupon a bit more (I haven't learned the whole extreme couponing thing but it's fun to try to get good deals) and I coupon for my mom too since she works and I don't.