As I write this its well past midnight and I've been thinking about my current circumstances. I'm sitting tucked up in bed (five blankets deep) in my room thats been pulled apart and 2/3 packed. I've been thrown into a turbulent rough sea. Its deep. I'm going to save you the part where I rattle off the things that are causing said rough sea *cough cough stress* and instead (inspired by Caitlin) share with you the things I've learnt. Because while the sea is stormy right now, I know I'm going to come out the other side of it, when the water is all calm, a much stronger person.
I never really contemplated self care until Caitlin asked (for my Q&A video) the more I thought about it the more I realised that when stress happened self care didn't. The whole self care thing goes out the window. The gym has been put on hold. Eating balanced and regularly isn't a thing that happens. I get stuck in my head and its hard to process things. I push against people. And I panic. I feel sticky and anxious and STUCK. As soon as I notice myself spiralling this is what I do (not in this order).
- I call someone I trust to talk about how I'm feeling. Generally Mum or le boyf. And because they know me and my complex mind, they help me sort through the mess.
- I make a list of everything thats going on. Usually not coherent. Usually not ordered. but out of my mind and into a place where I can start to see a structure/pattern/plan. I write out my feelings, what I need to do, where i want to be. I write it all out.
- I make a plan of attack. Which isn't the easiest thing. But having a plan in my mind helps me feel more stable, secure and ok.
- I remove myself from the situation. example: I had a really stressful day the other day when i was on the edge of anything. Tara mentioned the Star Trek movie so I txt Luke and we made spontaneous plans. Went to the movies late that night. And then to kmart right before they were due to close. Was nice to get away from it all. Also I just wanted to talk about Star Trek here. Which tbh is my fav movie of the year.
The thing with self care is we want to avoid getting into a place like this to begin with. Lets be honest, we are human so this 'state' is going to happen. And more than that life can throw you curveballs in ways you can never expect *cough my life the past two weeks*. But in order to minimise it, these are some things I should be doing. I think for each person it differs.
- Gym / exercise / yoga. I have not done yoga in months and I know my body misses it. Its more than stretching. Its calming and connecting. Plus gym/exercise is a good habit, keeps you fit and healthy and (For me personally) working toward my goals/in a good space and relationship with my body.
- Meditation / self growth. Mum is forever sending me links to things that can help me better my life and though I know they are great resources I ignore 70% of them. But learning and bettering yourself is only a good thing. Plus like yoga meditating is a great calming thing.
- Eating well / cooking. I like cooking. I like eating. It makes sense. Rather than living on a diet of coffee and half meals, skipping breakfast and lunch I need to fuel myself.
- Quality time. With my dogs, With my family. With my friends. (Kinda funny I put my dogs first. but their cuddles are probably my second favourite)
- Spending my time on things that make me feel good. Rather than spending it watching everyones snapstory (which I've stopped watching completely) use that time for something more productive / enriching / that makes me feel good. Fill my days with light.
What are the 'self-care' things that you do? In a plane you have to put the oxygen mask on yourself before others. I am starting to realise its the same for life. In order to fully be there for those around me I need to be there for myself first. Look after yourself lil sprout, because you are magic. Whatever sea you are sailing right now, you will survive (if you want). And in the wise words of my boyfriend just know "you got this bro".
Post a Comment