Pleasurable activities reminder

Introduction

This leaflet is for anyone who may be going through a challenging time dealing with illness, its treatments, and consequences. Often when times are difficult or we feel unwell, we can find ourselves slowly stopping doing the things we enjoy. A lack of pleasurable activities can then begin to impact how we are feeling. When this happens, it can be helpful to restart doing a few things each day that we enjoy. Below is a list of types of pleasurable activities. Sometimes having such a list can be helpful in reminding you of things you have found pleasant in the past and may prompt you to think about what you can try now.

Creative

• Writing (poems, prose, diary)
• Drawing and/or painting
• Model-making
• Knitting or sewing
• Planning gardening

Stimulating

• Crosswords or other puzzles
• Visiting the library
• Visiting a museum or art gallery
• Thinking about going to college to learn something
• Reading books or articles, or searching the internet about things that interest you
• Computer/internet puzzles
• Researching, such as family history

Recreational

• Planning a walk or cycle route
• Planning a visit to the countryside
• Planning a visit to a place of interest
• Planning a holiday
• Listening to music
• Playing a board game
• Watching a sport
• Going to the cinema or watching a DVD

Self-care

• Having a relaxing bath
• Watching a favourite TV show
• Listening to a favourite radio show
• Planning a favourite meal
• Eating something you find delicious
• Having a nap
• Wearing something nice
• Taking care of physical appearance
• Having a massage
• Setting a goal, and making plans

Social

• Seeing a friend
• Planning a party
• Writing a letter
• Buying a card for someone
• Sharing a joke
• Buying a present for someone
• Enjoying the company of family
• Chatting on internet social networks such as Facebook
• Having a good conversation

Contacts and further information

If you require further information please leave a message for:

Dr Lynda Teape
HCPC Registered and Chartered Clinical Psychologist in Palliative Care
Box 63
Elsworth House
Addenbrooke's Hospital
Hills Road
Cambridge
CB2 2QQ

Tel: 01223 274404 (internal: 274404)

Office hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00