Seeking Solace

I loved reading this list of 19 tips from 200 years ago for cheering yourself up over at The Happiness Project recently. I've chosen a few from the list that I like and that work for me:

• Be as busy as you can.


• See as much as you can of those friends who respect and like you.


• Compare your lot with that of other people.


• Be as much as you can in the open air without fatigue.


• Make the room where you commonly sit gay and pleasant.

I had some upsetting news recently and was feeling pretty sad and definitely needed cheering up. When I look at the tips I've listed above, I can honestly say those were all things that helped me through a tough couple of days.

Keeping busy makes the time pass faster and gives you less time to think and get upset. Seeing friends is a great distraction and mood booster. Realising and thinking about your own sad situation in comparison with others you know who've suffered much worse, makes you feel thankful and more fortunate than you felt at first. Being out in the open air is invigorating and helps clear your head of sad thoughts and makes you aware of other things around you. The last point, of making your surroundings at home pleasant is important too. If you are sitting with a cup in a tea in a tidy living room with some of your favourite music playing, you're going to feel a lot better than if those surroundings were in complete disarray.

One thing I'd have to add to the list: have lots of hugs. That always helps cheer me up!

Have a look at the full list and let me know which you like the best. What do you find works best for you when you need to be cheered up?

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