Finding Your Happy Place

These days, you can google just about anything. Today, I googled, “How do I find my happy place?” A wealth of information was waiting for me—mostly advice about how to lift my mood. Ideas like “start every day with time by yourself” and “plan something big” or “check something off of your bucket list” wasn’t what I needed—at least not today. Honestly, I wanted to think about the physical place where I am most happy so I can plan to go there. Some days are like that.

One online definition of “happy place” is “a place that somebody only has to think about in order to feel happy and relaxed.” That’s more like it!

The writer in one of her happy places.

Once I focused, it was pretty easy to realize that my happy place is on the water or next to the water and, when I was younger, in the water. There is nothing as soothing to me as sailing on open water on a summer’s day with a warm breeze blowing across my face and an occasional bit of misty spray. I know people who would hate that but, for me, all I have to do is think about it and it makes me happy.

I don’t own a boat, so I settle for low-cost alternatives—somebody else’s boat would be nice, but ferry rides to Vashon Island or Bainbridge Island and the King County Water Taxi don’t require invitations and are easier to schedule. I also enjoy the little electric boats you can rent on Lake Union. There are also great boat and kayak rentals available at Green Lake, Seacrest Park, and the UW Waterfront Activities Center.

If I can’t be on the water, my second choice is to get close to the water. We have countless dining options on Puget Sound, Elliott Bay, Lake Union, and Lake Washington but, once again, I like to consider low-cost alternatives. We are so fortunate to have public parks with open waterfronts throughout Seattle and King County, including Carkeek Park, Discovery Park, Golden Gardens, Green Lake, Lincoln Park, Mathews Beach, and Seward Park. Even smaller parks (some on street-ends) offer that calm, peaceful feeling. I live in West Seattle and like Cormorant Cove, Lowman Beach Park, and Richey Viewpoint but also love finding new parks to visit throughout King County—especially if they have open water.

If the idea of communing with nature appeals to you, check out these parks lists: Seattle | King County

What’s the value of knowing your happy place?

When I’m in my happy place—or just thinking about it—my mind has a chance to reset and recharge. I gain new perspectives. I become more resilient. In most respects, knowing my happy place is invaluable. Sometimes I have to stop and force myself to remember that there are places—for me, on the water—where I am care- and worry-free and can experience pure joy. Some days I need that.

On a more global level, I am very aware of statistics about older people and mental health. A recent Brookings Institute report is one of many over the past decade that tells us the same thing: A significant percentage of adults aged 65 and older experience symptoms of depression. A lot of people I know (all ages) talk about experiencing depression, too.

For me, knowing my happy place—and remembering to go there—is a wellness strategy that I find helps to ward off minor depression. It’s an important component of self-care that inspires relaxation and better sleep and makes me feel better overall.

So, what’s your happy place? When were you last there?

Contributor Irene Stewart manages communications for the Seattle Human Services Department and serves as editor of AgeWise King County, this e-zine, on behalf of the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services.

Mental Health Resources for Older Adults

People experience mental health issues in different ways. While self-care is valuable for every person, when professional help is needed, it’s good to know who you can call. Have an honest conversation with your health care provider. Here are some additional local resources:

• 24-Hour Crisis Line: 866-427-4747—Individuals, families, and friends of people in emotional crisis can call for immediate help.
• Community Living Connections—Call 844-348-5464 (toll-free) for information and local mental health referrals for older people. This service is funded by Aging and Disability Services, so your call, consultation, and referrals are free of charge.
• NAMI Seattle—The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers information on crisis and helplines as well as programs for peer support and support for family and friends.
• PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active Rewarding Lives)—Older veterans and veteran spouses and survivors who have minor depression can access this evidence-based problem-solving program.
• WA Warm Line: 877-500-WARM—Get peer support from specially-trained volunteers who have lived experience with mental health challenges. All calls are confidential.