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 If you're having trouble thinking of any activities that you might possibly enjoy, here's a list to get you started. Remember, when you're depressed, you might feel like you won't enjoy anything. You might even think that you never really enjoyed anything in the past. This is your mind playing silly buggers with you. So in order to feel better, it's important to DO SOMETHING NOW even if you don't feel like it because YOU WILL FEEL BETTER AFTERWARD. If you think you are too tired to do anything at all, just try an activity for 5 minutes. Sometimes the energy comes after the willingness.

This list is divided into joyous activities for outside of your home, indoors and exercise to make you feel good. I've tried to include things that cost little or nothing, and things you can do even if you are responsible for a baby. So pick an activity that peaks your interest or maybe one that sounds a little scary at get going!

If you have some favorite activities that aren't on this list, write and tell me about it.

Activities for Outside Your Home:


Staying cooped up in your house all day can make you more depressed. If you find this is the case, get out! Also, getting cleaned up and dressed will almost always put you in a better mood.
  • Take a picnic lunch to the park
  • Go for a stroll
  • Visit a museum or gallery
  • Walk around the mall or shopping district (you don't have to buy anything)
  • Take a class or go to the library
  • Take a child to the zoo (if you don't have one, borrow a relative's if you are close)
  • Go to church or synagogue
  • Get involved in a volunteer program
  • Meet a friend for coffee
  • See a movie or show (matinees are cheaper and less crowded)
  • Go to the beach/lake/river (weather permitting)
  • Get a massage or manicure

Activities You Can Do At Home:


Sometimes it's good to barracade yourself inside your home and spend some quality time with yourself. It's okay! You're not a weirdo.

Exercise:


I'm a mom, so I've divided this list into things you can do with baby (in a stroller or at home with baby involved in some activity or napping) and things you will need to do when baby is with a sitter, family member or whatever. If your children are older, of course you can do stuff when they are at school or take them with you.

With Baby-


  • Walking, jogging or running depending on your fitness level (don't kill yourself)
  • Aerobics with a video tape
  • Stationary bike or other machine
  • Mini trampoline
  • Lifting weights
  • Yoga (with video or get a book from the library)
  • Dance around the living room (move that coffee table)
  • Gardening (Put baby in a playyard or let your toddler "help". Be prepared to bathe them after.)

Without Baby-


  • Hiking (if baby is little, you can get one of those backpack carriers--if you're in pretty good shape)
  • Rollerskating/rollerblading/iceskating if you know how--again, don't kill yourself
  • Go to the gym (some have babysitting for a fee)
  • Punch and kick a heavy bag if you have access to one
  • Take a class: aerobics, kickboxing, yoga, spinning, dance, etc...
  • Swimming
  • Biking (I don't consider those baby trailers or seats safe)
  • Tennis, softball, or whatever sport you used to enjoy
  • Jump rope or play hopscotch

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