LIST OF PLEASANT ACTIVITIES
Depression has an effect on all parts of your life, including your energy level and interest in things.
Although you may feel tired and unmotivated to do things, sometimes engaging in pleasant activities can make you feel rejuvenated and better about the world around you!
Here are some suggestions for pleasant activities that may help you feel a little better.
MOVEMENT
Exercise
Yoga / Stretch
Rearrange my room or house
Taking a walk
Go for a bike ride
Be outdoors
See beautiful scenery
COMPASSION
Do volunteer work
Sending a card to someone who is sick
Making food or crafts to give to a friend
Planting flowers or buying a potted plant
Help someone
Petting/walking/grooming your cat or dog
Care for a houseplant
Volunteering to help with an event or service activity
COMFORT
Take a long bath or shower
Watch TV
Eat a good meal
Wear clothes you like
SOUNDS
Listen to music
Listen to birds sing
Sing
Listen to the radio
Listen to sounds of nature
READING / WRITING
Go to the library
Write letters
Keeping a journal
Read the newspaper
Write stories or poetry
Read books or magazines
Read something inspiring
Reading through old letters or journals
Do crossword puzzles
SIMPLE AND SILENT
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Say prayers
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Sit in the sun
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Have peace and quiet
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5 minute meditation
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Daydream
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Watch a sunset
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Watch people
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Look at clouds
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Looking at old photograph
PRODUCTIVE / SELF-CARE
Keep a clean house
Solve a personal problem
Do outdoor work
Cook a good meal
Get haircut/hair done
FUN
Go to a park, fair, or zoo
Go to a garage sale
Play a video game
Do artwork or crafts
Collect things
Play cards or chess
Go to a movie or play
Going on an outing to the park, an event, etc.
Going to a museum or exhibit
Doing a job well
Learning to do something new
SOCIALIZE
Compliment/praise someone
Talk about sports/current events
Notice the good things that happen to family or friends
Spend time with friends
Reminisce, talk about old times
Talk on the telephone
Spend time with family
Show an interest in what others say
Planning or organizing something
Having friends come to visit
Call an old friend
Go to a meeting
Make a new friend
Go to a church function