One of the best ways to do this is by engaging in activities that make you feel better and happy. So, I’ve created a massive bumper list of pleasant events and activities to choose from. I’d recommend picking one from the list each week and then building up to doing one a day, or if it’s a small task, doing a few each day. You’d be surprised how even doing the smallest of activities can create a lot of happiness and joy in your life, and eventually, all of that joy adds up to contentment. Give it a go and see how you get on. I’ve broken the activities into broad groups. Note: Most of this list comes from the excellent handout provided by the APA. You can find that list here. I recommend downloading it as a takeaway!
Physical & Outdoor Activities
Creative and Intellectual Activities
Social Pleasant Activities
Wellness and Self-Care
Hobbies and Leisure Events
Personal and Professional Development
Technical and Practical Skills
Lifestyle and Daily Activities
And there you have it, a big bumper list of different activities to try. Like I say, try the smaller ones more frequently if you can, and some of the bigger ones even do them weekly or monthly. You’ll find that over time, you’ve built up a list of pleasant things that you like doing, and you can go back to doing these things time and again. I find that doing these things brings a measure of comfort and self-soothing and just helps with distressing emotions.
