Hoping Mechanisms: Unconventional Ways To Love Yourself

Hoping Mechanisms: Unconventional Ways To Love Yourself by The Happy Place Team

Feeling guilty or stressed about your coping mechanisms? Don’t worry; we get it! Self-care and self-love can sometimes feel like an overwhelming checklist of skincare routines and perfect fitness. Sure, those things are great, but let’s be real – we don’t always have the energy or mood for them. When the going gets tough, and the bad days roll in, it’s only natural to seek solace in some unique, offbeat pick-me-ups. We call them “hoping mechanisms,” and they might just be your secret to bouncing back!

 

When you have a bad day, often the first response is to shut off from the world. You might do things like stay in bed to binge comfort shows, or listen to an emotionally curated playlist. Negative emotions can make it difficult to be productive. And once the mood has passed and you’ve come back to the world, the guilt of not having done anything with your day can trigger a new wave of stress and guilt.  But instead of spiralling about the ways you cope, embrace them! 

 

Here’s a look at some hoping mechanisms from the Happy Place team!

 

“When I’m feeling down, my go-to pick-me-up involves diving headfirst into property programs like The Parisian Agency, Selling Sunset, and Grand Designs. For me, there’s something oddly comforting about watching extravagant houses and fancy real estate drama. It’s my way of taking a hilarious break from life’s problems and getting lost in the world of lavish homes and larger than life characters. Laughs and luxury all in one – my perfect remedy! Plus, it’s like a secret sauce that reignites my motivation and drive to conquer any challenges that come my way.” – Jade 

 

“My ultimate comfort if I’m feeling down is to get into bed and listen to the Harry Potter audiobooks (with Stephen Fry as the narrator, obviously) Taking myself back to a world I was so familiar with as a child helps me feel calm and safe. Extra points if I have a cup of tea on the bedside table and my cat curled up on my lap.” – Hannah 

“If I’m having a bad day I need to watch Pretty Woman or another similar era rom-com. It’s just one of those feel-good comfort films. I don’t know if it’s just Julia Robert’s smile, or the kind of glow films shot in the 90s have, but it instantly boosts my mood. It’s the perfect mix of a calming distraction and the bliss of familiarity.” – Simona 

“When I’m anxious, my piano is my go-to. Its effects are three-fold; it helps me really focus on the task in hand; it brings me back to an intrinsic activity, something that brings me joy; it’s creative brain food. As I play, I can block out all our outside worries. The concentration required leaves no room for intrusive thoughts, allowing me to express my emotions through music. The piano becomes a sanctuary where I can find clarity, giving me a sense of being completely grounded and presence in the moment.” – Blaise

“I use the hairdryer when I feel anxious, down or unwell as a kind of comfort blanket. I like the noise and physical feeling. It’s like a cuddle of warm air.” – Jason

 

“Music is my ultimate coping mechanism through any emotion, but if I’m feeling stressed or angry I turn to my heavy metal playlists and set off on a long walk/stomp. I don’t know why but there’s something about listening to songs called ‘symphony of destruction’ or ‘long way back from hell’ that makes me reset my perspective on things.” – Amelia 

“One of my favourite coping mechanisms is to make playful & colourful food. So even if I’m feeling down, I know I’m getting a bit of goodness. Think bright green pasta dishes, rainbow salads and colour segmented bowls…” – Sarah 

 

 

When it comes to self-care and self-love, there is no ‘one for all’ practice. What works for others, may not always work for you (and vice versa). As you can see, we ALL have our own personal pick me ups. Unique rituals we do when we’re feeling blue. They may seem a little unconventional, but in the moment, they just might be exactly what you need.