Kendra's post made me think about what all of us do to make us happy or stress-free when we are down. We sure could all use some suggestions on that from time to time.

This is from Oprah's first day back last week. It's contagious and I can't watch it without a huge smile on my face. Music usually pulls me out of the disease dump.

http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahsh...lash-mob-dance

And then there are computer games. They are very addictive and can make your arm go numb! But they are a distraction and can help a bit. Those with eye problems may not like these though!

http://www.abcarcade.com/bubble-shooter.html

http://www.abcarcade.com/bomboozle.html

Now, this is a "PG" post, although if Dr. Oz can talk about non-PG stuff on TV . . .

Talking to family or friends helps too. And, for me, designing when I can or writing always helps. And I know this is going to sound nerd-ish but I love to read anything health-related.

Thanks for asking for help, Kendra. We can all use ideas when we are having a tough time.

Annie

I loved the Oprah video too! Also, for me a day without music is like a day without sunshine. I'm an avid reader when my eyes allow. I also enjoy playing computer games even at the age of 57. My current favorite I recently installed is Zuma Deluxe. My husband, myself, several friends and cousins have an online tournament going on. If my eyes start bothering me, I just back off for a couple of days. It's a lot of fun and it's great for your hand eye coordination. Our last tournament that went on for months was playing Bejeweled Deluxe. These are inexpensive ways to have fun with friends & family members or just by myself. A few things I enjoy doing.

Pat

I'm with you Pat - I love Word Garden (computer game) for really slow days. I also have become hooked on info about the stock market, economy....financial stuff (funny cause I always hated all that before, but now I just find it fascinating! The way they fib is so amusing!). On any day, inviting the dog up on the bed for a 'cat' nap is a relaxing pleasure. She always knows whatever I am feeling and adjusts her day accordingly.

Sue

I love having my niece over for the day.
We go shopping and buy all we need to cook lunch, after she has decided what she wants, and amazingly its usually potato pie, full of vegies!!!
We also usually make biscuits or muffins.
We both have a ball.
I also love to go bushwalking, with my sister and her two dogs, if its wildflower season I take my camera and capture thier beauty.
On my bad days I love doing crosswords, or reading, or watching a good movie.

lol. for me, i love chatting with people, and reading. Its always nice to snuggle in bed with a book when I'm tired and yet cant sleep. I also love to lay by the beach (gosh been ages since I've done that), or just watch videos on the internet. I also love drawing, and talking. OOOOOh. And computer games are my fav. Lol. I love those that only need clicking cos typing wears me out. Tho after a while, my index finger freezes and I know its time to stop. Perhaps we can all have an online tournament? hahahaha.

Law and Order reruns.

Thanks Annie for the great post. I am really feeling everything today so it is not one of my best days. I try and use "positive thoughts" to pull me up but sometimes I need a "sweet treat" and some good music to help me along. I really like to watch Oprah too!

Hey Sue,

I'm not familiar with Word Garden. The games I mentioned are just fun, fast paced and require little thinking. When I play by myself I like a much slower paced game. I recently finshed one of Sherlock Holmes mysteries and Mysterious Island. I've just started Murder On The Orient Express and am trying to get the hang of having to use the keyboard instead of just the mouse. A fun game when we have friends & family over is a dice game called LCR. We use quarters instead of chips to make it more interesting. I'm going to check out your game, thanks.

Hey, guys. I have been very depressed lately. There's so much stress in my life that my usual and very good coping skills weren't cutting it. When I saw that Oprah show last week, I was reminded of how much I miss so many things. I miss dancing, something I did all the time (jazz, line, tap or just going to clubs). I miss doing things with people. I miss live music. I miss having over-the-top, joyous fun!!! And I miss WORKING!!!!

But that song/dance made me feel so damn good just watching it. Maybe that's enough now; to do the smaller versions of what I love. We all deserve to have stress-free moments within all we going through.

Pat, I don't know about the games you mentioned but I'll definitely look into them. I'm with Connie, I like the ones where I use one finger to shoot things. The other ones are too hard. My hand actually wouldn't work after a stressful day when I played Bubble Shooter.

Sue, I don't know Word Garden. Do you have a link? I absolutely love a snuggle with my pet, a shih tzu, too. Pets are wonderful.

Redtail, You will have to forgive me, your name escapes me at the moment. I hate when I can't remember everyone's name. Bushwalking, eh? Sounds exhausting. When my nieces were young (all grown up now), I loved to spend time with them too.

Connie, What kind of drawing do you do? I am a designer and love to draw but can't really do much anymore.

Miss Gomes, I'm a Leverage fan. And Closer. I don't know why I never got into Law & Order.

Rezmommy, Again, sorry about the name thing. I swear, I'm feeling so old lately. Yes, chocolate is about the best thing. Dark chocolate for me.

Kendra, It was you who inspired me to do this. You're having such a tough time right now. I love to read too but can't hold the books anymore!

Erin, I love old movies too! What are some of your favorites?

I forgot about food. A good italian dish will make me very happy! With gluten free pasta though.

I like all these ideas. Keep 'em coming!

Annie, Both the games I mentioned only take one finger. Zuma Deluxe is a fun fast paced game where you shoot different colored balls into a chain of balls. Hard to explain, but check it out. It starts out slow and the better you get the faster it gets. In Bejeweled 2 Deluxe you only need one finger also, and you have the option of playing a timed game or a regular game. Warning, they both can be very addiciting! This is fun, thanks so much for starting it!

Big Hugs,
Pat