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A guide to enjoying life

Sagulations

Sagulations

Bluelighter
Joined
Mar 4, 2012
Messages
50
Location
Never the Hospital
Post ideas, techniques, lifestyle choices, or anything else that aides in promoting a mentally healthy life style. This can be during or after intensive psychological withdrawl, or even just relief from soul-crushing comedowns.

During and after an extreme benzo withdrawl, I literally could not get out of bed, broke down crying for no reason frequently, and even since a full recovery many months later, have trouble some days finding a purpose to even live out the day. It's never suicidal at this point, but for instance today, even after forcing myself to complete my to do list, I didn't feel accomplishment, or that today had any purpose, and I still have not the faintest idea how to get back to enjoying the simple, normal things. Things like friends, swimming, grad-parties, and social activity seem abstract and provide no enjoyment, which has me constantly borderline depressed. The only joys I feel in the average day are either fueled by amphetamines, or discussing exactly how I'm feeling with my best friend. Religion has helped at times, but a sense of isolation still persists, maybe because once you feel so good, afterwards, you can only notice and wonder why you feel so bad.
 
I like to do things like gardening. I take pride is looking at what I can do. My yard is pretty and I'm growing veggies in the back yard. This gives me a sence of accomplishment and joy. I can not do much but I can hold a water hose and keep my grass green and my plants living :)
 
I can identify with you OP, after extensive drug use, both opiates and stimulants, I have difficulty enjoy simple lifes pleasures. I can't enjoy relaxing by the pool, or basking in the sun drinking lemonade, I can't watch TV, I don't enjoy going out to eat. I'm always on super drive. I need more fun. It is obviously a result of constantly feeding myself feeling good.

This is a great thread though, to reflect on things we know we should enjoy.

I agree with zoeylynn, I did start a garden this year and that is very fulfilling. I go out there and snap off a few beans every night as I'm watering it.

I try to do crafts to decorate the house. Simple ones that don't cost too much money.
 
Sagulations said:
Post ideas, techniques, lifestyle choices, or anything else that aides in promoting a mentally healthy life style. This can be during or after intensive psychological withdrawl, or even just relief from soul-crushing comedowns.

During and after an extreme benzo withdrawl, I literally could not get out of bed, broke down crying for no reason frequently, and even since a full recovery many months later, have trouble some days finding a purpose to even live out the day. It's never suicidal at this point, but for instance today, even after forcing myself to complete my to do list, I didn't feel accomplishment, or that today had any purpose, and I still have not the faintest idea how to get back to enjoying the simple, normal things. Things like friends, swimming, grad-parties, and social activity seem abstract and provide no enjoyment, which has me constantly borderline depressed. The only joys I feel in the average day are either fueled by amphetamines, or discussing exactly how I'm feeling with my best friend. Religion has helped at times, but a sense of isolation still persists, maybe because once you feel so good, afterwards, you can only notice and wonder why you feel so bad.
Click to expand...

One particular method that I find effective is working at a demanding office job. If you have still have stuff to do after 10+ hours at work, you typically won't have time to have negative thoughts.

Another good option that works really well (it even worked when I was addicted to opiates) is going to the gym.
 
Just curious as to whether you've tried nootropics, ie, piracetam. I've heard a lot of anecdotal evidence that they help get damaged brains working again, and they're impossible to abuse. Might be worth looking into.
 
I go to the discount book store downtown, up to the science area, and look for something between 15-25 dollars which appears to be fundamentally complex, verbose and dense. I then take it home and read about the fascinating of, well at the moment, parasitic helminths which affect the human G.I. tract.

Sure, it is utterly pointless, but nothing passes the time and distracts you from your problems like detailed photos of a huge fucking worm in someones colon.

If I want to be not alone in my apt, I'll go somewhere like the lobby of an office tower, hospital atrium, or the students union building at my old university... somewhere lively and busy... and read there.
 
I like to verbally toy with people. It amuses me, and they can never tell that I'm joking. I just joke with someone, and I carry through with it, all the while looking at their expression and knowing that they have believed me. It's the most amusing ever, and it satisfies my weird sense of humor, and I find it absolutely hilarious.
 
If your musical, I find making music is one of the most theraputic things ever!

Expression of any form is really excellent. It takes your mind off feeling blah and you can focus on what your creating, making a really good tune brings immense excitement with endless replay value. Its like being on a drug especially when your taking pride in your creation :)
 
i collect obscure vinyl and have an amazing collection of records and a kicks ass sound system, whilst i might be a fuck up in evey other area of my life i maintain quality beats at home
 
Great topic.

It's already been mentioned - but I find gardening to be the best source of accomplishment and happiness, you're contributing something positive, living and beautiful to the world in your own small way.
Taking walks on a nice sunny day or going for a quiet drive somewhere with some good tunes in the background also does me good.

Obviously these highs don't chemically compare to that of narcotics, but I've found that over my years of semi-sobriety that I've found an appreciation for the simpler things which I didn't have in the beginning.
 
I find that the only thing that helps me with depression is chemically altering my mind... Luckily this is a medication I am prescribed, and its the only thing that gives me the drive, to get up in the morning, to get things done that need done, and interact at all with society. When it wears off, I feel like shit again, but hopefully I will stop being alone one day. If I ever find such a girl.. Or maybe a dog! Bahahah! (to all you perverted minds) 8)
 
I would suggest martial arts, it makes you more in touch with your body as well as your mind. And if you're not into the more.. painful.. aspects then you could learn something like Aikido, which focuses more heavily on sipritual and mental development.
 
Being in recovery from lots of drug use, damage from drug use, and depression from drug use has given me quite a bit of insight.
The title of this thread was the biggest problem when trying to give up drugs.

My father told me the best advice which is quite simple for kicking drugs. This also goes for somebody who has never tried drugs and just wants a happier life. Its as simple as this: find an activity that occupies time and stimulates your brain. Make sure it is not a repetitive task that could easily become boring. Or find some hobby or anything that will produce a sense of accomplishment, joy, and fulfillment. Once you accomplish something whether it be minor or major you get such a good feeling in which can not be broken. For me this activity is Dubstep production. The action itself is extremely enjoyable and the finished product satisfies me to no end. When posted to sound cloud and i receive feedback or even just a simple play it makes me feel so good inside.

That has been my method for the last 4-5 months of my life and has successfully deterred me from drugs, made me forget about depression, and overall lead to a more enjoyable life.

Keep em coming im quite interested to hear of other people's methods.
 
Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, funny movies like Caddyshack, The Big Lebowski, pets, nature, pussy (even if you have to pay for it once in awhile), and throw the fucking cell phone in the trash (that way they can't give you shit for not answering the goddamn thing).

The most important thing is to be exhausted after every day, you sleep the best that way. Oh yeah, you should also be listening to music at really high volumes as much as possible. Oh and sunshine and suntans are also key...
 
I like the words you've typed blakmike :) Definitely some wise words we should live by.

Pets all the way, make the world a better place <3.
 
Zoeylynn said:
I like to do things like gardening. I take pride is looking at what I can do. My yard is pretty and I'm growing veggies in the back yard. This gives me a sence of accomplishment and joy. I can not do much but I can hold a water hose and keep my grass green and my plants living :)
Click to expand...

Hey zoeylynn I'm in Houston too! w00t :) I love our city tonight. I love this city always. With teeth that cut like a knife. And spits me out after days .... Yeah

Riding my bike HARD does it for me. We have an awesome park with technical trails Through the woods that will own you. Plus once your body gets ripped and you feel all sexy, it's a good natural high. Feeling 100% good in a bikini does wonders for your brain. An rough sex is a good therapy too ;P

I want to earn my way into the lounge.
 
Connect with your surroundings wherever and whatever they are. Tongue kiss life like you really, really mean it! :)
 
The only time I am truly happy is when I've got both my children with me in the holidays (eldest lives with his dad).
The rest of the time, speed gets me through the days and helps me put on a front that I'm ok.
Don't get me wrong, my baby gives me happiness, but I always feel a part of me is missing.
Until I get my eldest back, be it next year or in 20 years, I am doubtful I will be able to live a drug free life.
 
Getting out in nature and getting some sun. Talking with people and being social. I love hiking it always puts me in a good mood. Also I'm on a bit of a sabbatical from drugs. I can drink a bit but no x, lsd, mushies whatever. It feels kinda good to take time to clear the clouds. Eating healthy is important too. Yeah for bananas, walnuts, and turkey.
 
Exercise exercise exercise. The more you do, the easier it gets, the better you feel. Traning for an ultramarathon at the moment, 70 miles! Wish me luck.
 
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