My favorite escape has always been books. I have a few staples that I always turn to, knowing that I can lose myself in the character's emotions instead of my own. I love musicals for that same reason - singing along with a score while the characters express their every thought can scoop me right me up.

When all else fails, there's always daydreaming. I've always been a little obsessed with it. There used to be a swing in the woods near my home where I could enjoy my surroundings and daydream for ages, but the tree it was attached to got blown over in the last storm. I'd like to rebuild it one of these days.

I suppose escape is not the healthiest way to deal, but until I'm at a place where I'm able to sit down, examine my emotions and see where they come from, I can't resolve them. I'm not able to confront them when I'm stuck in the middle of them.

I hope you find health and happiness!

I used to walk down to the beach that was near my house when I lived in Washington, usually at night. It was a pretty calming atmosphere hearing the sound of the waves with the moon shining above.

Ambient or otherwise relaxing music really helps. And if some degree of confusion is at the root of the problem, ASMR or sleep hypnosis therapy soundbites or other such dedicated audio therapy can help. As far as being uplifted goes, in my case, a bit of wild, somewhat unfocused enjoyment of a wide variety of different video game types can help as well (action-centric games to cure boredom, and highly atmospheric ones - like Skyrim - for aural peace.).

Hope this helps. :)

There's a park near my house that whenever I'm coming back from some errand or from the gym, I try to go through. It's pleasant to see kids with their families and such.
I also spend a good deal of time with online friends, they're lovely people. When they're not around, it's video games or watching a series or a movie, whatever helps me zone out a bit. Watching stuff is usually more therapeutic than playing something because of the low level of input necessary to consume that type of media.

As for meds, while I'm not on them, I do know people who are, and believe me when I say that they're worthwhile. Having the proper dosage makes sure you don't experience impairing side-effects, and they allow psychotherapy to work the way it's supposed to.
Therapy is the canvas and the paint, the meds are quality brushes that allow you to paint with greater ease.

Quiet, sunny naps work for me. It's usually a lack of sleep and abundance of stress that makes me mad. xD

I really like the coffee shop idea! Coffee/warm drinks tend to make me happy too, so I'll settle down with one of those, make myself a nice lunch (been goin' for fancied up grilled cheese lately) and put on some of my favorite music. Usually Skyping with my friends picks me up pretty well!