What are some of your primary self-care habits?

By "primary", I mean ones you truly try to do regularly, that make some positive difference, physically and/or mentally. Of course I realize we do fall behind with some self-care. I'm not so interested in those, in this thread.

* Facial and neck moisturization. Even when I'm neglecting other things, this self-care act seems to remain. At least most days. I tend to apply the creams in a relaxed position (in bed or sitting in a comfortable chair), almost as if part of a facial. It keeps my face youthful-looking and is so relaxing. Again, I could be doing little else, but still do this.

* Sleep hygiene. I work this very hard. I don't just depend on medications. I go to bed and get up at the same times. I take my medications at the same times (give or take an hour), and never skip them. I need darkness and quiet, and the right room temperatures. If needed, I eat a yogurt before bed and/or use my sound machine.

* Achieving the ability to "let things go" and see things glass half full, instead of empty. Sure, depression can make that impossible, sometimes, but I'm not always depressed. It takes work and determination. CBT therapy was quite helpful for me, in this respect.

Brush my teeth, get outside regardless of weather, go to my injection appointments, maintain good sleep habits (this goes out the window when manic or hyperfocused), and I have struggles with eating regularly so I make sure I have and use nutrition shake mix, stay away from drugs/alcohol.

I was just reading this and thinking brush my teeth

you must have read my mind..

I like listening to my tranquility cd. basically a cd of instramental relaxation music, one of the best things I've baught on amazon. each day I change my clothes, and each day I try to start with a healthy selection of fruit (usually grapes, plums and peaches). I like beauty products, too. perfume is a must for me, and I like to paint my nails red (never any other color). something else I do which is really important is not respond to negative people or negative comments (or try not to). I don't need people like that in my life- people I know who are going to hurt me in some way. sometimes it's hard, (especially when former abusers try to contact you and find out your whereabouts) but I guess you just work with what you've got.

come on here.

I come on here every day, even if I don't have anything to say

I'm with raging vortex...I stay active here on the forum. It's a 24/7 support group and a chance for me to help others, too.

Sleep hygiene is primary for me. The other basics...being clean, presentable (even if I'm all alone), health care.

Music is essential for me. Allowing myself the pleasure of relaxed reading (books).


A big self-care is getting my hair done, whether cut/style and/or color.

This forum

Stimming especially orally

Other sensory related things that make my life easier. Like sleeping fully clothed every night except for my shoes. I’ve slept with a belt on before too. I don’t actually own any pajamas or even sweatpants.

I need to wear shoes all the time except when I’m sleeping. They are a big part of self care for me. Even when I’m not leaving my house I need my boots on. Or I feel weird and missing.

Really gross but I feel better when I don’t brush my teeth. I hate the taste of toothpaste. I always have. I do brush them though.

The main one is sleeping hygiene , I have my routine. My cat is pat of the routine too. every night after I get in bed he comes up for a good night hug and then goes to tour the house. If I read too long he comes back and warns me that it’s time to turn the light out.

A big one is checking my thoughts by asking myself “in the grand scheme of things is this worth it. “. It helps to realize I’m not the center of the universe and our sun isn’t even the center and that after all this big issue really is tiny.

I keep a savings account. It is amazing how much it calms me to know I have a cushion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nammu The main one is sleeping hygiene , I have my routine. My cat is pat of the routine too. every night after I get in bed he comes up for a good night hug and then goes to tour the house. If I read too long he comes back and warns me that it’s time to turn the light out. A big one is checking my thoughts by asking myself “in the grand scheme of things is this worth it. “. It helps to realize I’m not the center of the universe and our sun isn’t even the center and that after all this big issue really is tiny. I keep a savings account. It is amazing how much it calms me to know I have a cushion.

How wonderful about your cat. Mine have me on a sleep schedule, too. They are insistent about sleep and wake times, and do NOT like any disruptions in sleep timing!

I need routine, or rather a loose framework, that is consistent from day to day to stay healthy.

- Wake and sleep at about the same time
- Meds exactly at same times
- Every evening plan out the next day
- Have a list of important things that need to be done that so I can fit these things into my daily plans as needed
- Look at checking account, credit cards, and meager IRA every evening (I lost control of finances when manic...not good)
- wash face, brush and floss teeth every night
- workout 2-3 times a week
- do household chores same few days a week

All this is so that I won't become anxious that I will miss something!

I really need to do more things for my inner child.

I think it will help me in the long run with coming to terms of not having a proper childhood or a mummy that loved me.

and I do need to care for my body better. but with my BDD, it's hard to really find something acceptible, and with my fibro I think who gives a ****... it's just going to ache anyway

not the way to think about it but..