Winter can be a proper tough time of year, so here are a few ways to battle the blues in our little city...
As many of us know, depression really does suck the life out of you, leaving you with little to no energy or incentive to do anything. I can’t promise these activities and places suggested below will take all your problems away, but they might help to lighten the load with a healthy release, even if just for an hour or so. As someone who’s suffered from depression for most of my life, I decided to set myself a goal of seeking out activities and places that I can put into my calendar, to keep my mind occupied. So here are some useful suggestions that may provide welcomed comfort in darker times.
I would just like to point out, that these are by no means alternatives to professional help so if you are feeling depressed, please book an appointment to speak with your GP as soon as possible, so you can receive appropriate treatment and take the next necessary steps to recovery.
Green Spaces
According to Nottingham City Council, parks and open spaces cover around 20% of the city's surface, which is great for us because it means we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a picturesque place to explore. You’re never too far away from a green space. Taking a brisk walk or simply just observing the scenery are perfect ways to relieve tension, as they provide a visual escape from whatever has been weighing us down.
Places to visit:
- Attenborough Nature Reserve
- Sherwood Forest
- Gedling Country Park
- Wollaton Park
- The Arboretum
Spontaneous Days Out
Sometimes it’s good to get out, even if it’s just for a couple of hours or so. I know how hard it can be to push yourself to leave the house when you would rather stay in bed, but Notts has so many great locations to visit that may help to lift our spirits. We have a thriving, diverse culture with an in-depth history, so whether you visit one of the landmarks or perhaps sit down one afternoon and enjoy a chilled coffee with cats, we really do have all this and more right on our doorstep.
Places to visit:
- Green’s Windmill
- Kitty Café
- Nottingham Contemporary
- City of Caves
- Nottingham Castle
More spontaneous days out in Nottingham
Relaxation
Spiritual and alternative activities; of course, some of these suggestions won’t be for everyone but it’s certainly worth a try. You may fancy visiting a library for a few hours and getting lost in the pages of a book, or joining one of the city’s many yoga classes and checking out the meditation facilities which can be found below. There’s so many options out there for us to try, especially if you’re in need of a little self-care.
Places to visit:
- Nottingham Buddhist Centre
- Yoganova
- Nottinghamshire Reiki & Meditation Centre
- Nottingham Central Library
- Bahia Yoga
Support Networks
Talking about our problems and confiding in others can feel quite daunting, but often, opening up in a safe environment can help us to release whatever bottled up feelings we may have been repressing that have built up; resulting in emotional distress. Nottingham has a wide variety of support networks, here are a few that stood out for me.
Places to visit:
- Self Help Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
- Mind National Association for Mental Health
- Nottingham Depression Support Group (NDSG)
- Notts Peer to Peer Network
- Let’s Talk-Wellbeing
More supportive networks in Nottingham
Sport and Leisure
Physical activity can be really taxing, but it’s so rewarding to let loose and challenge ourselves every once in awhile. Sport and leisure might not be your favourite thing – it certainly ain’t mine – but slowly incorporating it more into a weekly schedule can really help.
Places to visit:
- Twin Peaks Outdoor Activities
- Lady of Leisure (Ladies only)
- The Lost City Adventure Golf
- Ken Martin Leisure Centre
- Virgin Active Nottingham
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