i wanted to share some things i do for self-care because it is so important that you take care of yourself. these might not work for everybody and certainly there are many more.
have a playlist of songs that give you space. songs that you could think to or fall asleep to. especially softer songs that just give you comfort and breathing room when you need it, and then put it on when you do.
keep a piece of paper in your wallet or whatever is with you at all times that has a note or quote of reassurance on it. if you need some suggestions, i personally like quotes from the founder of TWLOHA’s book “If You Feel Too Much”.
let yourself have a routine. example: wake up, eat breakfast, do something you like (reading, tumblr) for 5 minutes, take a shower get dressed, play with your dog. sleep, sleep, sleep. drink lots of water, eat what makes you feel good, exercise if that helps even if it’s just a short walk. just a make time for the little things because they matter so much. sometimes your routine is the only structure your day will have and that could help.
turn off your phone for some period of time everyday. let yourself have some time without worrying about what you’re missing, it will be there when you get back.
reward yourself. even if its just with a cookie or new notebook, when you feel like you have accomplished something or made progress you deserve to celebrate.
allow time to get places if rushing / being late makes you anxious. wake up a few minutes early. let your friends and family know that being early is important to your mental health even if it doesn't “make sense” to them.
you’re allowed to avoid situations or people you know will make you anxious. it’s okay to prefer to stay home on saturday night, it’s also okay to try and go out and decide to leave if you start to feel anxious. it’s not fair that you have to live with something that literally affects how you live, but you have to realize that it is real despite what anyone tells you. yes, i want you to be able to live life to it’s fullest but i also understand that that looks differently for people who deal with anxiety.
before you have to make a spontaneous decision, give yourself or ask for the time you need to properly make it. even if it’s at a checkout line, if you need more time then ask for it. it’s okay. you can be spontaneous, but don’t force yourself to be.
keep a list of things or situations that set of or trigger your anxiety. this can be helpful if your friends and family want to understand, if you decide to seek out a counselor/therapist, and also just for yourself so you have a better understanding of what affects you. also understand that sometimes anxiety might just happen for no apparent reason. you could feel it anywhere at anytime for no reason. in that case don’t be upset at yourself for feeling it, just do your best to get through it.
it’s okay to not watch the news. it’s okay that you can’t help everybody. we live in a scary world and if watching the news makes you feel worse you shouldn’t put yourself through that. if you can, ask a friend or family member to text you if something is going on that could immediately impact you so that you are informed enough to stay safe.
if you get anxiety from missing out or having nothing to do for too long, try to fill up your days ahead of time by making plans even if it’s going to the grocery store or mall. if you get anxiety from being too busy, schedule or set aside time to be alone or take a nap. you might have to do both at different times. that’s okay.
if a you start to get anxiety / have a panic attack in a public place or any place that you feel you need to get out of, then get out of it. go to a bathroom or a dressing room or a hallway. it’s okay to walk out of a classroom or a crowd at a show even if you thought you wanted to be there, don’t force yourself to stay. if you need space, find it. breathe.
don’t let anyone discredit the things that help you. they don’t understand.
i know you are going to want to hide it, to pretend it isn’t happening sometimes. you deserve to feel safe and to be understand and not everyone is going to unfortunately. but know that you’re allowed to express what you’re feeling, that most people want to help but don’t know how. i know it’s embarrassing but you didn’t ask for this, it’s not your fault. be honest if you want to because you deserve that.
find ways to focus your energy. find outlets to express what you’re feeling. all of that isn’t meant to stay inside. some of the best painters, writers, musicians came to that as a way to express. you don’t have to be ‘good’, just loving to do it is enough to do it. find what you love and let yourself get lost in it, and also find yourself in it.
so many people don’t low how to deal with what you’re experiencing. if they ask or express wanting to help, just tell them. “i need some water” or “i need to leave” are simple but things they might not understand will help you.
after you have a panic / anxiety attack, take extra care of yourself. your body just went through war and you probably feel terrible. sleep in, drink lots of water, take a bath, take a nap, paint, cancel a plan. do whatever you need to do. if you have a headache you can take ibuprofen, it may also help to stay in dim lighting. if your body hurts try heating / cooling pads. don’t dismiss the fact that your mental health also affects your physical.
prguitarman
