[SlumberKitty]

Hi All, so I think when I have my therapy appointment on Saturday I need to bring up the subject of self-care. I don't really know what I do for self-care. But it would come in handy to have some ideas for what I could do. This is necessary I think to talk about with T because when I am spiraling into a crisis maybe I can halt it if I am using some self-care techniques. What do you all use for self-care? I'm trying to get some ideas. Thanks all, Kit

[nottrustin]

This is a work in progress for me. But for me it is: getting my hair done, going for a walk or hike, waring comfort, eating comfort food without worrying about calories for that time, talking on the phone with friends. Binge watching movies ot sleeping late without judging myself for being lazy, reading.

[NP_Complete]

These were a couple of the pdf handouts I got when I did the IOP thing earlier this year. Maybe this has some good ideas for you.

[atisketatasket]

Info’s list of suggested self-care activities:

1. Walk/exercise
2. Hot bath
3. Dance with the cat

[SlumberKitty]

Originally Posted by atisketatasket

Dance with the cat

8 characters

[SlumberKitty]

I've been having a discussion with someone about self care and I'm having a hard time coming up with things I do that is self care, so thanks for these suggestions.


I do have a weighted blanket that I use at home sometimes when I am feeling stressed or anxious. That would probably count as self care. I've bought myself a few presents which I can afford right now for the holiday so I guess that is self care (or self indulgence--hmm)? I try to spend time with friends in a Covid appropriate way. I suppose that is self care.


All these things seem sort of vague to me. I guess texting my support people is self care. I am good at doing that and bless them, they are pretty good at responding to me.


hmmmm..........

[Taylor27]

I think for me right now is walking the dog, having a hot relaxing bath, watching movies to take my mind off the anxieties i deal with on a daily basis. I always listen to music during the day. I too have a hard time with self care and my therapist is very big on this so im learning that it's much more then treating myself to a special coffee.

[ArtieTheSequal]

Things that I do: drum, take a hot bath (current favorite: bubble belle bath bombs), go for a walk, watch favorite shows on netflix, surround myself with yarn and crochet stuff. In the summer, I swim.

[LonesomeTonight]

In no particular order: Listen to music, dance (badly), cook dinner from scratch, watch TV shows, watch football, talk to/message with my friends, play with my guinea pigs, read guinea pig Facebook groups (which often include cute photos of them), read some other Facebook groups (including some clothing ones), shop online (not necessarily buying anything), read advice columns, take a nap, do crossword puzzles (online, so I can get help with answers if needed), meditate, paint, read/post on here.

Pre-COVID, I'd go for walks (they make me anxious now), go to yoga classes, go to concerts, meet a friend for lunch or coffee, go by myself to get a beer at a restaurant, wander around Target or another store.

[daisydid]

I talk to my family or friends, browse the Internet, play video games, pet my cat, meditate / deep breathing, journal, or eat something that is going to bring me joy (usually it's ice cream).

[just2b]

play video games, gather up receipes and cook, budget, clean, listen to music, sit and do nothing, watch tv, walk, hike, draw, write, spend time with dog or kids. coffee shop, walk around a store, then there is the therapy stuff mindfulness and grounding work that I am struggling with

[Bill3]

when I am spiraling into a crisis maybe I can halt it if I am using some self-care techniques

I wonder if self-care is also a tool to reduce the chances of spiraling into a crisis in the first place.

I think that limiting commitments is also a form of self-care.

[jirafe]

I keep my "diary of small pleasures". I try to do a few pleasant things everyday, I try to do them minfully with all myself devoted to what I am doing, not distracting myself with thinking about past or future and as if nothing else matters for a while. It can be something simple like looking at the sky, lying in the bed close to my son and listening to his calm breathing, listening how rain drops are hitting the surface of the window or licking sweet condensed milk . Can be reading a book, singing, talking to the best friend, massage, dancing or Yoga lesson. Since I have developed such a routine it works also in times of crisis and keeps me from spiraling down or at least considerably limits how deep I spiral down.

[ArtleyWilkins]

I had to learn to give myself dedicated down time. For many years, I was in the grind of working a full day, then running home and taking care of the family (meals, homework, etc.) and doing more of my work at home.

I had to allow myself to slow down. Read. Listen to some music. Play a game or do a puzzle. In other words, find time for me because I was always taking care of everyone else.

My life is generally slower now: kids are grown - so that is a huge load off of my responsibility list. These days, self-care is turning off the television if what I am watching is stressing me out; find something mindless to watch. Getting off my technology is really important. I deliberately move myself into my reading room (converted dining room) where there is no television and turn on my music and read or crochet for awhile. I go for a walk just to get out and get some fresh air.

I try to leave work at work now - that was a major improvement in self-care for me.

I listen to music, dance, read, drink tea, and write in a journal as part of self-care. Also I listen to affirmation videos. Recently I started to meditate and practice mindfulness. I have discovered the joy of both a personal at home retreat as well as online retreats.