10 Ideas for Actually Doable Self Care
I have a hard time with self care. It seems foreign to me. Be nice to myself? Who, me? Why?
People with mental illnesses often believe that compassion is something we don't deserve from others, much less from ourselves. On the other hand, it's a fact that engaging in some form of self compassion is crucial to recovery.
Self care lifts the mood and helps you get in touch with yourself, which isn't easy--especially if "in touch with yourself" isn't exactly something you want to be.
So here are a few of my favorite simple (simpler) self care ideas for those times when you can't seem drag yourself out of bed to take that walk or settle into that bubble bath everyone seems to talk about.
Simple Self Care
1. Listen to your favorite song, album, or artist. Let the music wash over you.
2. Take a few deep, deep, deep breaths. Feel your lungs expel old, stale air and intake fresh, new air.
3. Self-soothe. Wrap up in a soft blanket, pet an animal, fiddle with something textured. See also: fuzzy socks. Win!
4. If you can muster the energy, go outside. Nature does miracles for the soul, particularly in the moment.
5. Stretch. Let your muscles relax. You can even do so lying down.
6. Make yourself (or get someone else to make you) a cup of your favorite tea or coffee.
7. Smile, even if it's fake or forced. And then smile again.
8. Engage with someone in some way. You can do anything from playing a game to sending a few texts.
9. Self massage.
10. Watch something funny.
Bonus:
Make sure you're taking your meds, drinking enough water, and getting enough to eat. These things are tough, but you are tougher, and you are worth doing hard things for.
Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself like you would treat a pet: let yourself sleep when you are tired, eat when you are hungry, drink when you are thirsty. Give yourself regular baths and treats. Have fun with life, even if you have to pretend a little bit. Let yourself have space when you need it and answer yourself when you call out for help.
People with mental illnesses often believe that compassion is something we don't deserve from others, much less from ourselves. On the other hand, it's a fact that engaging in some form of self compassion is crucial to recovery.
Self care lifts the mood and helps you get in touch with yourself, which isn't easy--especially if "in touch with yourself" isn't exactly something you want to be.
So here are a few of my favorite simple (simpler) self care ideas for those times when you can't seem drag yourself out of bed to take that walk or settle into that bubble bath everyone seems to talk about.
Simple Self Care
1. Listen to your favorite song, album, or artist. Let the music wash over you.
2. Take a few deep, deep, deep breaths. Feel your lungs expel old, stale air and intake fresh, new air.
3. Self-soothe. Wrap up in a soft blanket, pet an animal, fiddle with something textured. See also: fuzzy socks. Win!
4. If you can muster the energy, go outside. Nature does miracles for the soul, particularly in the moment.
5. Stretch. Let your muscles relax. You can even do so lying down.
6. Make yourself (or get someone else to make you) a cup of your favorite tea or coffee.
7. Smile, even if it's fake or forced. And then smile again.
8. Engage with someone in some way. You can do anything from playing a game to sending a few texts.
9. Self massage.
10. Watch something funny.
Bonus:
Make sure you're taking your meds, drinking enough water, and getting enough to eat. These things are tough, but you are tougher, and you are worth doing hard things for.
Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself like you would treat a pet: let yourself sleep when you are tired, eat when you are hungry, drink when you are thirsty. Give yourself regular baths and treats. Have fun with life, even if you have to pretend a little bit. Let yourself have space when you need it and answer yourself when you call out for help.
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