How do you take care of yourselves?

[SarahYuko 1,002]

I thought it'd be nice to share some methods of self-care. I'll share some of mine and I'd love to hear yours. I'd esecially love to hear from members with mental health issues (especially after trauma) because I myself deal with those everyday. Here we go:

1. When I get angry, I like to take a really hot bath/shower, with fresh, maybe minty soaps. Sometimes the anger lingers for hours and I get harmful tendencies so I cool down with baths.

2. In case baths are unavailable, I just wet my face with cold water, drink some water or green tea, and go out for a run. Usually within 15 minutes of continuous running, my anger dissolves considerably.

3. When I feel my pulse quicken and feel that an anxiety attack may be underway, I walk out of the room and get fresh air. Then I use a shirt or scarf to tightly bind my chest and shoulders to ease my heart rate back to normal. I sit down and rock back and forth to calm my nerves. It works pretty well.

4. When I feel like cutting, I hold ice cubes in my hands, and rub them all over my face, and even put them in my mouth. It takes the edge off. I don't cut anymore.

5. As the years pass, I learn more and more how important it is to sleep well, and regularly too. Can't function properly with a half-asleep brain. And losing sleep makes my anxiety levels shoot up. So, I hope you can manage to squeeze in 7 hours of sleep at least. It really does make a difference.

6. When I was diagnosed with depression, I was always encouraged to try to do something productive. Like baking a cake or writing a diary entry or reading an educational book. So if you're depressed and feeling unproductive and your whole body feels heavy, I encourage you to push yourself to do something worthwhile too. Even if it takes just 5 minutes of your day, it's a step forward. And I may not know you but I applaud you every step of the way.

Those are just a few of my own methods. I didn't think it'd be that long haha sorry

Finally, I wanted to ask you guys for advice on how else I can take care of myself. Other readers will hopefully benefit from this too.

[TCHIKITAH 2,810]

When I get angry I sometimes touch myself! And when I'm anxious I reach the peak and 💦 

[TropicOfCANCER 6,292]

for me, my self-care is mostly rooted in either running to alleviate stress/anxiety (and also improve my body image). I also really love to take baths occasionally (with rose or lavender scented soap), and also love using face masks or other beauty products to pamper.

 

[avalon x 4,153]

 

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Sorry OP  Couldn't help it. Loved your post though, keep it up. I might write something useful later.

 

 

[SarahYuko 1,002]

8 minutes ago, JourneyToAvalon said:

 

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Sorry OP  Couldn't help it. Loved your post though, keep it up. I might write something useful later.

 

 

 it's alright. Who on earth is that?

[SarahYuko 1,002]

10 minutes ago, TropicOfCANCER said:

for me, my self-care is mostly rooted in either running to alleviate stress/anxiety (and also improve my body image). I also really love to take baths occasionally (with rose or lavender scented soap), and also love using face masks or other beauty products to pamper.

 

I love to pamper myself too. A little make-up every now and then. Even when I'm not going anywhere.

[The Child 18,997]

[Letmelivemylife 8,715]

I usually just call my oldest sister and just vent about what ever is bugging me. The only hard part is the 3 hour time difference between NYC and LA. We always fought as kids but after 9/11 happened, I was never more excited to see her. My 2 friends and I physically watched the towers fall with my teacher and classmates. My oldest sister came to pick me up from school and I remember just jumping into her arms. I was scared shitless. We've been inseparable ever since. Funny how tragedy can bring people together.

[Jinzo 9,639]

1 minute ago, CrazyMonster said:

 

[Red 97,982]

It's not healthy but I eat like a pig when I'm sad  

[SarahYuko 1,002]

11 minutes ago, Letmelivemylife said:

I usually just call my oldest sister and just vent about what ever is bugging me. The only hard part is the 3 hour time difference between NYC and LA. We always fought as kids but after 9/11 happened, I was never more excited to see her. My 2 friends and I physically watched the towers fall with my teacher and classmates. My oldest sister came to pick me up from school and I remember just jumping into her arms. I was scared shitless. We've been inseparable ever since. Funny how tragedy can bring people together.

It must have been a terrible experience, watching them fall. It's fortunate that it brought you closer. My sisters and I have had our ups and downs too but as we grow older, we're learning to be each other's support systems. You're very lucky to have a supportive older sibling. I'm the eldest and the pressure of taking care of my siblings gets to me sometimes.

[SarahYuko 1,002]

3 minutes ago, Red said:

It's not healthy but I eat like a pig when I'm sad  

Same  especially ice cream, for me.

[Red 97,982]

1 minute ago, SarahYuko said:

Same  especially ice cream, for me.

I've just had the biggest plate of food evah with no salad and I'm about to eat chocolate

[Daredevil 2,133]

I take baths everyday and meditate 15min. I listen to classical music. I write things down. I go to the gym. etc

[SarahYuko 1,002]

1 minute ago, Red said:

I've just had the biggest plate of food evah with no salad and I'm about to eat chocolate

I just ate chocolate and a big bowl of pasta, so to feel less guilty I am about to devour an orange