Out of the Storm

I have a deal with a friend. When one of us is going through a particularly rough patch, the other gently asks 'are you remembering to practise self care?' The idea is that 'when all else fails, practise self care'.

Because I am, unfortunately, going through a bit of a rough patch at the moment, I have been thinking about self care and how to practise it for me.

Unfortunately, I am finding that being in a rough patch often means difficulty in thinking up ideas for anything, including self care. I am hoping that people might be willing to list some ideas for self care that we all can refer to when going through a rough patch.

Three ideas that I had:

• Going outside for a walk

Preferably in a natural area (e.g. park) under trees, but rambling through my neighbourhood works too (especially when it means walking where I am vs. not walking somewhere that I need to travel to)

• Eating properly

This one for me counts double because I am not just eating properly but I also enjoy cooking healthy foods for myself (now if only I can find someone to do the shopping part of things).

• Doing an art-related activity

Sometimes this means colouring in a colouring book, sometimes creating my own painting, but for me art activities are soothing and enjoyable.

Thank you for your post
I like vanilla

I too struggle with ideas when going through a rough patch - I find my brain is 'scrambled'

Self care things I do

Hot bath - a must in times of stress ( which is most of the time
Self massage - shoulders and head - feet
Meditation ( I do this most days
Plenty of rest
Call someone to talk to
Writing ( although don't often remember to do this
Go out with walking group
Allow myself to be 'without all the doing
Breathing techniques