What do you do when you need your spirits lifted?
 

I am not talking about alcohol either. Coming up to 70 shortly I try to think about things that perk me up and keep me going.

These are a few of things that I enjoy other than holidays:
Golf
A spirited drive in a sports car but still being safe
A restaurant meal with the wife
Give thanks to the good Lord for granting me good health and a great family
And you?

A nice drive, a relaxing day, a nice meal with the missus, really, just about anything outside of the normal routine with the missus that distracts from the normal routine.

Listening to good music.

Sometimes even a good movie.

Just about the same as you. But I do love the water, especially the ocean. Sailing, surfing, fishing, swimming, diving. When I step into the ocean life comes back. I can feel life soaking in.

I do also like a good dirty martini, maybe because it's salty like the ocean.

I no longer have a fun car but that was a good one when I had the 944 and then the Miata, as an aside I now drive a Nissan Versa Note hatchback that actually because of it's diminutive size is kinda fun to drive... but I dare not post a thread about it because I'm sure the grumpy old man contingent will cast stones at the thought of a FWD 1600cc car made in Mexico. (note that I am 59)

But I digress...

Listening to music has always been a good way to improve my mood (or watching a DVD concert).

Going for a walk in nature... I am fortunate to live a block from a park along the ocean.

I'm a foodie and enjoy a good meal out... also a little difficult because we are budgeting in preparation for my retirement.

I'm sure someone will mention getting frisky with the wife/girlfriend... but that is dependent on her mood/cooperation. ;)

Playing with my grandson is number 1, take the 911 out for a nice relaxing drive with my wife and goin fishing.

I recently have gotten into doing some yoga and meditating, relaxing and envigorating.

I think of my kids and how fortunate my wife and I are to have them.

The things beyond that which touch my soul in a positive way are leaning against a tree in my favorite duck hunting spot hearing the wings whistle around me in the dark and hooking up to a nice fish that will soon be on the table.

I also find exercise gives me positive vibes.

Avoid news outlets and DEFINITELY don't read anything by our resident Armageddon Cheerleader.

^^^ +1 lol

Calling Tabs?:)

I go to PARF for a few minutes.

After that I appreciate the simplicity of my life.

Succeeding at something helps me out. I have so many hobbies that I can pick one that will challenge me but not frustrate me.

Photography
Model aircraft
Mechanicing on my cars, etc
Gardening
Cooking
Assorted art projects
Working logic and math puzzles
I definitely don't do golf or play guitar when I feel down. They just make it worse.:D

It's beautiful where I live (at least to me), so just walking outside in the cool air in the morning as the sun advances across the terrain and lights it up gets me going in a positive direction for the day.

I think it's mostly been said, stay away from the news, have a good meal, be with friends......

I might add that raising your testosterone levels up with some strenuous exercise, weight lifting, cardiovascular, calisthenics and so forth (love my one person trampoline) is the best thing you can do.

I also recommend a calorie free cigar once in a while, although I suspect the stress suppression may have a sling shot effect. Don't inhale, and stay away from other tobacco products.

+1
I should have included this on my list. I always feel better after a few minutes on the erg.

One thing that does not pick me up is interacting with other people. I just want to be left alone. My wife cannot understand this, as she wants to talk when she's down or upset.

I may spend time with my wife and enjoy the view from our front yard. Playing guitar and singing almost always works. Sometimes a top down drive in the Miata will do the trick.
Best
Les

- Pray.
- Read the Bible.
- Go for a drive in the Carrera.

(yeah I know someone will shout "PARF" but you asked - to keep it from going to PARF I won't reply to any statement about the above)

well. 1 out of ain't bad. : )

-Spend time with people I love
-Go for a bike ride
-Drive the 911 (or some other fun car)
-John Coltrane, "A Love Supreme"

I enjoy sitting at the end of my dock and relaxing with a cold one.

We have a 10 acre farm with no neighbors, just getting out, and getting some projects done, and then sitting around our campfire with a cold beer in a frosted mug, with a few friends and the wife.

I do enjoy going topless in my 2004 Mustang GT convertible on cool sunny days, and leaving work most days.

I sing along to alot of the newer country western hits, and old classic rock songs.

Your are an introvert, she is an extrovert.

I often find being with lots of people draining, and need to re-energize in solitude. I lean towards being an introvert myself.

An extrovert gets charged up being around many other people, just the opposite of the introvert.

Bike ride....the more strenuous...the better!

^^^Lately this is how I've lifted my spirits too. Get out and ride the bike.

Grandkids are the ticket for me, play with the dog if they are not around

I don't get down too much, I am a pretty lucky mug and feel quite blessed practically 100% of the time

Recently, I've been in a bit of a funk, upcoming back surgery and seriously difficult time with my employer.

My children and wife have been bringing me more joy now than ever. I get lost in the simplicity of enjoy their existence.

Driving the 911 is a top one as well, but with a popped engine, that's out...

Working in the yard.

Exercising

Driving the 911 is a good one for me. I just finished a 5,400+ nile road trip in the 911 two weeks ago. On Sunday I will be back in the 911 with my helmet on screaming throught the autocross pylons with a big stupid grin on my face. I don't care even a little bit about how fast or slow I am compared to the other cars. I just go have fun. Best way to spend $20 in a 911 is at our autocross.

I am almost never feeling "down" because life it too short to go through it feeling sorry for yourself. Get out there and enjoy life while ya can.

It's music and art for me. I got to find an activity.

Sitting around and moping is unhealthy.

I know you didn't mean that in a mean sort of way...
But...
Not everyone can "just be happy"
Whether it be from health problems, a chemical imbalance in their brain, or just life dealt them a bad hand (born in a third world country living with sub par sanitation etc.).

I suppose my spirit hasn't really been *down*. I'd like to think I'm a generally positive and optimistic person. If I need to take my mind off something, I use either music, cars or guns as an escape. Working out works too.

I buy car parts.

If I'm really depressed, I buy a whole car. It may or may not run.

Take the kids out shooting or fishing, or both. If not that, something else with the family.

Hookers and blow......

A spirited motorcycle ride. Resets the clock for me every time.

This:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/921064-loud-sex-failing-attitude-test-gets-jail-time.html

My go to when I get home in time is to get in my Ranger ATV and take my three dogs on a jaunt around the farm. I stop every few hundred yards, watch them swim, dig for moles and voles, chase birds and live the dream.

It is a riot.

I walk them every morning as well, but that is for me.

I was just going to say take a ride out in the boonies with the RTV. I fitted it with a radio and MP3 player. Just turn off the phone, the 2 way radio, and disappear with the dogs and some cigars.

Ride one of my bikes.

An early morning walk along the beach. Just me and the birds.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1468015678.jpg

You said NO alcohol.

I like charging around in the hills with the dogs chasing rabbits, chatting with other dog owners.