There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats. ~Albert Schweitzer
I am sometimes astonished by the power of music to lift my spirits. The right music, of course. John Fogerty, for example, or Professor Longhair. Just TRY to listen to the Professor’s “Crawfish Fiesta” and not smile. I really don’t believe anyone can do it.
And cats…well, watching my cat stretch and roll on her back on the sun-drenched deck makes me want to be in that same state of mind. It’s really about being present in the moment, because she is quite alert and apprehensive when a deer walks into the yard.
I think Schweitzer did pretty well with these choices, although I might add one or two things. 
What serves for you as “a refuge from the miseries of life?”
1) a body of water, and 2) star gazing; Music is in my top five, not cats.
Music, nature, my cats, and a day with nothing I HAVE to do!