My therapist has ordered me to do two forms of self-nurturing this week.

I have to be honest - I have no freaking idea what that really means. I get that you are supposed to something special for yourself. But, what? If I want a McFrappe - I already buy one. If I want a steak - I buy it.

So what do I do that is this (stupid) special "self nurturing" thing?

HELP!!!!

[Piraeus]

Maybe you can take a nice hot bath. You could buy yourself some new clothes. There are a lot of things you can do for yourself. Good luck

Piraeus

[birdpumpkin]

Is there something that you would like to have or do that you usually don't, though - or put off or something?? I'm the same way, if I want something, I usually get it if it's affordable, but like I'd love to go to a day spa but don't. A nice manicure, facial, and massage would be great. So that would be something I would consider for myself... Probably couldn't afford that, though... I don't know... =/

[gayleggg]

I'd say take a walk in a park and enjoy the wildlife and if you are a camera buff be sure to take your camera. Or just sit outside and watch the birds, they're really facinating to watch. Call someone you have been meaning to call but haven't felt like picking up the phone. Of course, I like to use my private time to read or play video games.

[Fuzzybear]

[Voss]

I would interpret it as being more forgiving, since depression can cause people to be very hard on themselves and deliver relentless criticism.

[ToeJam]

I guess it has to do with being kind to yourself, giving yourself affirmations and developing your self esteem from within.

My T has requested a similar thing with me... we did this exercise where she established my primary sense... in my case it is tactile (could be auditory, smells, sight) and then gave me a list of activities I could try out.

[SeekerOfLife]

UM, I consider being here on PC self nurturing.

[monkeybruv]

I think nurturing is more about giving time to yourself than 'stuff'. Like 'self-care' - doing things you may skip because they seem pointless but actually do make you feel a little better: showering/bathing frequently, reading for pleasure, making your bed/tidying your room so you don't have to feel bad about waking up in a dump...etc.

[waterknob1234]

:I would think self-nurturing would be something like taking time for yourself. Going for a walk, going to do something fun or interesting that you normally might not do. Or maybe writing down a list of things you like to do and that you are good at.

[Hellion]

I'd say it means do a couple nice things for yourself...like it doesn't have to be anything too extreme. I mean for example something I might do is go sit outside on a nice day and have a cup of tea...or maybe take a bath with lavender essential oil and epsom salt in candle light or even just get comfortable and watch a movie I like. Basically it means take some time out of your day for yourself, do what you want and make it about you try to let the negative stuff go for a while, while doing it but don't beat yourself up if you still cant get it off your mind.

[JadeAmethyst]

Maybe give yourself a break, listen to some good music, your favorite kind, sing along with it,
it sounds funny but I like coloring books or those big felt posters to color, a favorite beverage, make a nice breakfast for yourself, watch a funny movie, read a magazine of your interest or comic books....I know it can be challenging when we don't feel the nurturing but with some patience we can discover new things we never even remember or sense what they are.
My very best to you, and most of all whatever YOU choose, enjoy and savor the experience.

good luck
Jade

[depressedalaskan]

Self nurturing to me would be self talk. As depression cuts us down we need to fight back.

Depression: You are so worthless.
Self: I am not worthless, I am not worthless, I am not worthless.
Depression: You are staying in bed today.
Self: No!!! I think I will go for a walk today.
I know how heavy depression can be. But we have to fight back even with the smallest ways possible.

[H3rmit]

I suspect the purpose of the exercise is to get you to figure out what you could do to really nurture yourself in a way that is restorative and helps you grow, by giving you what you really need. Yes, a frappe is just a treat. For someone it might be self-nurturing, depending on context and level of enjoyment. Maybe the exercise is really about tuning into the idea of self-care?

[imtrying]

I had a hard time when my therapist gave me a similar assignment. Here's the approach I took.

What do you enjoy or just feel like doing but haven't done because you're busy with work and other obligations? Do that. Work on your car. Watch a movie. Shoot baskets. Take a nap. Spend quality time with Useless. (Joking, love the pix.)

[SeekerOfLife]

UM, if you enjoy it, riding your motorcycle would also be self nurturing. Please just do it safely.

Originally Posted by seekersinking

UM, if you enjoy it, riding your motorcycle would also be self nurturing. Please just do it safely.

Thanks - but I do not think I can safely ride it right now.

[SeekerOfLife]

Ok. It is very wise to realize that. Sending you are big hug.

[herethennow]

Maybe think of it as a little reward for yourself..

For me, every time I complete my round of appointments at the hospital (I will always have T and pdoc appt on the same day because I'm a lazy person...) I would always reward myself with this really inexpensive but really nice cup of iced cocoa (because I love chocolate!) as a pat to myself in the back.

This helps with my self-care as it keeps me going to my appointments no matter how much I do not want to go on that particular day.

Just my thoughts... XD