Looking at self care as necessary as medication

WovenGalaxy · Jan 06, 2023 at 07:02 PM

Taking time to do what make us feel better, daily, even if we dont feel like it...I remember talking to someone here about looking at socializing for mental health in this way. I may not feel like doing it, but I'm usually glad I did it and it improves my mood and mental health. And looking at it as a necessary thing, like taking medication daily, to improve life quality and mental health.

I was feeling pretty low earlier and I told myself I'd let myself knit, then do some dishes. Both of these activities (knitting and doing dishes) improved my mood.
I had more energy for knitting than dishes, but I did find that my improved mood from helped me to get going with the dishes. I was also thinking it's a bit like the DBT concept opposite action.

lizardlady · Jan 06, 2023 at 07:59 PM

WovenGalaxy, good job taking care of yourself! What are you knitting?

What is opposite action?

WovenGalaxy · Jan 06, 2023 at 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lizardlady

WovenGalaxy, good job taking care of yourself! What are you knitting?

What is opposite action?

Thanks! I'm knitting a shawl. Opposite action is doing the opposite of what your emotional urges want you to do. Example: "I'm sad and want to sit and do nothing." Using opposite action skill, you would get up and do something. Or if your urge was to isolate, you would go be around people. If your urge was to lash out at someone, you'd maybe avoid that person or you'd speak in a gentle tone to them. I think sometimes, its okay to give into our urges, depending what they are. Like sitting and doing nothing while depressed isnt hurting anyone. But if you do it for too long it can be damaging to yourself, even though thats all you want to do. And really, it's up to us how we choose to live. But opposite action can help improve our mood, our relationships, and keep us safe. I just like it.

lizardlady · Jan 07, 2023 at 08:41 AM

Thanks for the explanation. I can see that it would be a helpful skill.

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Looking at self care as necessary as medication

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lizardlady Legendary Member Since Nov 2002 Location: Mid World Posts: 17,488 (SuperPoster!) 21 7,515 hugs given	Jan 06, 2023 at 07:59 PM #2 WovenGalaxy, good job taking care of yourself! What are you knitting? What is opposite action?
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lizardlady Legendary Member Since Nov 2002 Location: Mid World Posts: 17,488 (SuperPoster!) 21 7,515 hugs given	Jan 07, 2023 at 08:41 AM #4 Thanks for the explanation. I can see that it would be a helpful skill.
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