Being a human can be a messy, hard, confusing, painful experience sometimes.
So if you or someone you love is going through one of these tough times right now, a time where it all just feels like too much, I want to offer up 101 suggestions for self-care to help you or your loved one get through this time.
101 Suggestions for Self-Care.
- Have a good, long, body-shaking cry.
- Call a trusted friend or family member and talk it out.
- Call in sick. Take comp time if you can. Take a mental health day.
- Say NO to extra obligations, chores, or anything that pulls on your precious self-care time.
- Book a session (or more!) with your therapist.
- Dial down your expectations of yourself at this time. When you’re going through life’s tough times, I invite you to soften your expectations of yourself and others.
- Tuck yourself into bed early with a good book and clean sheets.
- Watch a comforting/silly/funny/lighthearted TV show or movie. (Parks and Recreation, anyone?)
- Reread your favorite picture and chapter books from childhood.
- Ask for some love and tenderness from your friends on social media. Let them comment on your post and remind you that you’re loved.
- Look at some some really gorgeous pieces of art.
- Watch Youtube videos of Ellen DeGeneres and the adorable kids she has on her show.
- Look at faith-in-humanity-restoring lists from Buzzfeed.
- ASK FOR HELP. From whoever you need it – your boss, your doctor, your partner, your therapist, your mom. Let people know you need some help.
- Wrap yourself up in a cozy fleece blanket and sip a cup of hot tea.
- BREATHE. Deeply. Slowly. Four counts in. Six counts out.
- HYDRATE. Have you had enough water today?
- EAT. Have you eaten something healthy and nourishing today?
- SLEEP. Have you slept 7-9 hours? Is it time for some rest?
- SHOWER. Then dry your hair and put on clothes that make you feel good.
- Go outside and be in the sunshine.
- Move your body gently in ways that feel good. Maybe aim for 30 minutes. Or 10 if 30 feels like too much.
- Read a story (or stories) of people who overcame adversity or maybe dealt with mental illness, too. (I personally admire JK Rowling’s story.)
- Go to a 12-Step meeting. Or any group meeting where support is offered. Check out church listings, hospital listings, school listings for examples.
- If you suspect something may be physiologically off with you, go see your doctor and/or psychiatrist and talk to them. Medication might help you at this time and they can assist you in assessing this.
- Take a long, hot bath, light a candle, and pamper yourself.
- Read these inspirational quotes.
- Cuddle someone or something. Your partner. A pillow. Your friend’s dog.
