Places To Go When You’re Sad | 9 Peaceful Ideas

Katarina Gonzalez
5 min readAug 2, 2022
Photo by Ante Hamersmit on Unsplash

When you’re feeling down in the dumps, the last thing a lot of us want to do is leave the house and find places to go. I know that when I’m sad, I’d rather enjoy lying in bed with a pint of ice cream than harboring the strength to see anyone or do anything. But I always know deep inside that it just drags me further and further down…

When you’re sad, it can be easy to feel overstimulated by too many people as well. Or just not feeling up for company, period. After dealing with sadness for some time now, I’ve learned of a few places to go that help me feel at peace. They don’t take away the feeling of course, but they give me a sense of safety and calmness, even mildly.

The sad truth is that sometimes life just doesn’t go our way. We can be faced with difficult situations that leave us feeling sad, overwhelmed, and alone. If you’re feeling down, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There are people who care about you and want to help. I know it can not always seem like it but it’s true!

While you absolutely cannot run away from your problems (tried it), sometimes all you need is a change of scenery. Taking a small journey (or large) can be a great way to lift your spirits and see the world in a new light. It can also give you the space or perspective you may need to see your problems from another light.

Here are 9 of the best places to go when you’re sad. While it can be incredibly difficult to find the motivation to do anything, sometimes the best thing you can do is get out of your comfort zone and explore new places.

Be brave enough to heal yourself even when it hurts…

the beach.

There’s something about the ocean that can be incredibly soothing and healing. Listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore can help to calm and relax you. If you’re able to, take a walk along the beach and let the fresh air fill your lungs.

And if you have a pooch to give you company, absolutely bring him (or her) alone, too! Learning to be present within yourself near or in water can be very calming. If you live close to the ocean, take advantage of it and go for a walk on the beach.

a friend’s home.

I tend to push people away when I’m not feeling like myself. Since I’m an introvert, it makes this habit even worse. I feel like a lot of people would unfortunately agree with this. But in reality, sometimes, all you need when you’re depressed is the company of a good friend. Or even a family member.

If you’re feeling down, give them a call and arrange to meet up. You’ll feel better in no time. I’ve done this many times before and it always makes me nervous. You assume the worse especially if it’s a new friend. But I can honestly say that I’ve never left feeling disappointed and regretted reaching out.

a new city. or country.

If you’re feeling sad and stagnant, sometimes the best thing you can do is explore somewhere new. Getting out of your usual surroundings can help to give you a new perspective on things.

nature.

Surrounding yourself with beauty can help to remind you of the good in the world. If you have the opportunity, take a hike or simply spend some time in the fresh air.

Another great place to visit when you’re sad is a nature reserve. Spend some time surrounded by nature and wildlife and you’re sure to feel your mood lift. If you don’t live near a nature reserve, any park or green space will do.

a museum.

When you’re feeling sad, it can be helpful to view the world through someone else’s eyes. Visiting a museum can give you a new perspective on life and help you see everyday objects’ beauty.

If you’re looking for a more cultured way to spend your time, visiting a museum or art gallery can be a great way to lift your spirits. Take in some history or art and you’re sure to forget your troubles for a while.

a concert.

There’s nothing quite like letting yourself get lost in the music. Whether you’re listening to your favorite sad songs or letting yourself dance away your sorrows, a concert can be a great way to lift your spirits.

the library.

One of my favorite places to go when I’m not feeling like myself is the library. Being surrounded by a quiet place with tons of books feels like a magical world. I let myself be drawn to what I see or take out several books at a time and sit down. If you’re not feeling up to connecting to others when sad, maybe taking some time at a library is what you need first.

your happy place inside.

Lastly, don’t forget about your happy place. Whether it’s your childhood home, a favorite vacation spot, or simply a place that makes you feel at peace, spending time in your happy place can help to improve your mood and give you the strength to keep going to make you feel more like yourself again.

Getting up and keeping yourself busy will actually make you feel better in the long run. So try to stick to your usual routine as much as possible, even when you’re feeling down. And if days or even weeks past that you’re unable to, don’t beat yourself up. Start again slowly. Always try to take things one day at a time and eventually, you’ll start to feel better. I hope this post helps give some ideas on places that you are able to go if you’re feeling sad, overwhelmed, or just not like yourself!

Please check out my blog for wordsbykatarina.com to support! :)

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Katarina Gonzalez

🌹Writer, lover, singer, artist, friend, healer,(survivor) of these times; still trying to find my place in the universe while discovering my inner world, too🌎