‘It resets my entire soul’: 20+ Simple things that feel more therapeutic than therapy

Author image for Jesse Kessenheimer
Jesse Kessenheimer • Writer and Editor
Feb 9, 2025 8:00 PM EST

It's still winter—and we're all starting to get over it, right? With the blustery wind at our backs and ice on the ground, there's one thing that would make our serotonin levels spike without warning, changing our mood and improving the tone of the entire day: Sunshine. 

Remember how therapeutic sunshine can be? With vitamin D coursing through our brains, there's nothing that could stop us from fighting The Big Sad and having a wonderful day. It's so simple yet so fleeting this time of year, it makes us wish we never cursed at the sky in the summertime when the sunset is at 9. Alas, there are many simple things that we take for granted that can be just as wonderful. 

Therapeutic moments are all around us and are often as common as a belly laugh with a friend or petting your cat on the couch. Despite the noise of the big, bad world, sometimes it's the smaller things that give our brains the warm n' fuzzies. Keep scrolling for a reminder of all that is good and wonderful and to enjoy a quick therapy session that won't charge you by the hour. 

Advertisement
  • 01
    What's something that isn't therapy, but feels like therapy?
    via Radiant-Assumption53

    For me, my biggest mental rest is when I can kick up my feet at the end of a long day, turn on the ol' PS5, and play a quick video game with my husband. I dream of it some days as the hours on the clock tick by, waiting for the moment that I can finally chill out and turn my brain on simmer. What a feeling!

  • 02
    Middle-Cranberry Laughing so hard with a friend that your stomach muscles ache
    via Middle-Cranberry
  • 03
    Cheezburger Image 10465145344
    via Yan Krukao

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 04
    Total_Aerie_3778 Walking into the woods and bathing in the sunlight and coolness. There's something about trees that gives me a sense of calm. That and petting cats and dogs.
    via Total_Aerie_3778
  • 05
    grouper01 Petting a cat while eating ice cream in pajamas.
    via grouper01
  • 06
    Cheezburger Image 10465145600
    via pixelshot

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.
     

  • 07
    petitenpeachy Lying on the floor, staring at the ceiling, and letting my existential crisis play like a slideshow. Surprisingly calming.
    via petitenpeachy
  • 08
    PM_me_TitsOfAn A good talk with a friend isn't therapy, but sure feels like it
    via PM_me_TitsOfAn
  • 09
    halus_Falator When I get home from work and my wife picks up our 5 month old boy so he can see me approach, and he does a full-face wide-mouthed squinty-eyed smile once he sees me. It resets my entire soul.
    via halus_Falator
  • 10
    bunnybreeb Cleaning and organizing, it's oddly therapeutic for my mind.
    via bunnybreeb
  • 11
    CJ-185 Being at the beach, listening to the ocean.
    via CJ-185
  • 12
    Cheezburger Image 10465145856
    via Ana Terazavich

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.
     

  • 13
    Cursing WhileCra Crafting. When you get in the zone it's like meditation. For me, quilting by hand does the trick.
    via CursingWhileCra
  • 14
    Hades 7119 For me it's exercise, being able to turn off my brain while listening to music and exerting all of my energy into something positive is something I wouldn't be able to find in anything else really except fitness.
    via Hades7119
  • 15
    TemptingSunflower Baking bread from scratch. Something about kneading dough for 10 minutes straight just hits different. Plus, my apartment smells amazing and I get to stress eat warm bread after. Win-win.
    via TemptingSunflower
  • 16
    Cheezburger Image 10465146112
    via simarik

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.
     

  • 17
    PrincessXFlirt Going for a long drive with no destination in mind, just your favorite music blasting. There's something about the road, the tunes, and your thoughts that can really clear your mind and soothe your soul. It's like a reset button for a bad day.
    via PrincessXFlirt
  • 18
    finit My favorite self-care day starts with putting my phone on do not disturb. Next is getting a haircut and beard trim at the local barbershop. Then I go home and rinse off. Hit the gym. And then hit up a bakery for a croissant. I finish the afternoon with a trip to see a movie by myself with a big sugary drink and a bag of popcorn that I pour M&M's into.
    via finit
  • 19
    brrooklynbrownn Talking to my plants like they're my therapists. no judgment, just leaves.
    via brrooklynbrownn
  • 20
    PartySweet987 Ceramics something about getting your hands in that malleable clay, being creative and making a mess.
    via PartySweet987
  • 21
    heynoswearing Dungeons and Dragons I've had many bad games through the years but I can noticeably track the positive changes its had on my confidence and interpersonal skills, which is crazy for a game where you do funny voices and math.
    via heynoswearing
  • 22
    Slow Management hitting the gym consistently and sticking to it. Tried therapy, and gym makes me feel infinitely better than going to therapy lol
    via Slow_Management
  • 23
    tylergenis I just became a dad today. First time holding my baby and all of life's issues completely melted away, so I would say that.
    via tylergenis
  • 24
    GRAVEPISSA sunlight with good weather, greenery and tasty food that doesn't make you feel bloated, sick or uncomfortable after
    via GRAVEPISSA
  • 25
    Single_Reason7898 Going to an 11am movie by yourself during the week. It's quiet. It's peaceful. I always end up becoming friends with a senior citizen.
    via Single_Reason7898
  • 26
    readitareyoudeaf New tattoo
    via readitareyoudeaf

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

humor wholesome best adorable pleasant cuteness theraputic good vibes childhood therapy therapeutic relatable simple nostalgia interesting cute Memes nostalgic positive lol happy
Scroll Down For The Next Article