recovery in progress!

I get that it can be difficult to feel that you can take care of yourself when in little space; at least for me sometimes I feel so small that I can’t do anything by myself or it is at least it is very difficult to do so.. So I have come up with a few things that help me when I’m feeling very little!

1. Make food when your not feeling so little so you can have some for when you can’t make it by yourself.

2. Make bottles/sippy cups and store them in the fridge for when you need them. 

3. Make sure all your little necessities are within reach if you start to feel small. Ex. paci, bottle/sippy, coloring books/crayons, storybooks, stuffies, etc.

4. Make sure you take a nap at some point during the day! Nap time is very important because everyone needs their rest.

5. If you need to wash yourself and can’t run a bath then at least try to wipe yourself down with a wet cloth to get the yuckies from the day off of you.

6. Make sure to drink water! You need this no matter what so try your best to at least drink a little water. 

7.  It’s a good idea to write down either the channel number for your favorite kid network or have shows/movies saved in your list on Netflix or something else like it. 

8. Make sure to brush your teeth! It helps keep you clean and feeling good.

9. Brush your hair if you can do it by yourself or at least try your best.

10. Lastly, enjoy being little and take your time to feel better. 

If you have a fever:

Get lots of rest! Make sure you’re wrapped up in a blankie to sweat the fever out!

Drink plenty of fluids!

Place a cool, damp wash cloth on your forehead while you rest

Take a luke warm bath

Eat chilled foods like ice pops or yogurts!

Take Tylenol or ibuprofen (make sure you’re allowed to)

Please contact a doctor if you’re experiencing unusual symptoms ♡

If you have a cold:

Stay hydrated! Water, juice, water with honey or lemon can help with congestion! Try avoiding coffee & sodas since they make dehydration worse!

Get rest!

Saline nasal sprays (over the counter) can help with a stuffy nose!

Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air! It helps with congestion!

Get some over the counter cold or cough medicine!

If you have a sore throat:

Gargle saltwater (do not drink it!!!) ½ a teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8 ounce glass of water can temporarily relieve pain!

Drink plenty of fluids! Hot fluids like soup or tea can help lower irritation! Be careful not to burn yourself!

Use a humidifier!

Step 1: Get a box, any size is fine! 

Step 2: Decorate it! (I used wallpaper and paint) 

Step 3: Buy things to go inside your box - Remember this is your self-care box, so fill it with things that distract, comfort, relax and cheer you up in times of distress.

For example:

Sensory toys  🌟 

Puzzle books 🌟 

DVD’s 🌟 

Colouring books with pens or pencils 🌟 

Soft toys/teddies (These are great for comfort) 🌟 

Stickers 🌟 

Play-Doh! 🌟

Write a few letters to yourself for when you need them 🌟 

For example - Your favourite memories, reasons to stay alive, reasons not to self-harm, you can do this, motivational quotes, the things you love about yourself

Diary or Notepad 🌟

Step 4: Once you have all your items of choice put them all into your box! 🌟 

Step 5: Whenever you feel low, anxious, scared, alone, angry or distressed. Go to your box. It will always be there for you when you need it. 

Remember - This is YOUR box. Fill it with whatever makes you happy. Some more suggestions could be; bath bombs, lavender oil, hand cream, a blanket, fluffy socks, snacks, pictures of loved ones, a puzzle game, arts and crafts items. 

If you make one, take a picture and show me! 

i fucking hate self care posts made by neurotypicals so here’s one from someone who Actually Gets It

-can’t shower or take a bath? me either. dry shampoo can make your hair look and feel cleaner, and baby wipes or makeup wipes work great to get the top layer of grime off your skin.

-can’t wash your sheets and make your bed? i feel you. push your blankets out of the way and shake the crumbs off your sheet. it will at least be a bit more comfortable.

-can’t even change out of your dirty pajamas? been there. hit yourself with some febreeze and a lint roller. if you can, brush your hair. if you can’t, hair ties and bobby pins are fantastic.

-can’t make anything to eat? same. if you can, there’s no shame in ordering food. in fact, it’s probably better you eat something rather than go hungry. if you can’t, try and find something that comes pre-made or takes minimal effort to make. at the very least, drink some water.

can’t respond to messages or reach out for help? yeah, i get that. set an alarm for a few hours from now and respond to any messages you need to once you’ve given yourself time to prepare. if they’re Important Messages that need Professional Responses, you can find fill-in-the-blank format rough drafts on google. as far as personal messages go, don’t feel bad for sending a mass “I’m sorry, I’m in a personal emergency right now. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.” response to everyone.

-can’t even sleep because it’s so bad? asmr videos always knock me out, personally, but i also watch a lot of bob ross. just try to find something quiet and soothing to use as background noise and take your mind off it, or at least give you a more peaceful environment to think about it.

-can’t go for a walk/drive? try opening the blinds or curtains. you’re still exposing yourself to the outside world. baby steps. (i also play animal crossing or sims; it may be virtual but fuck it. i went on a walk.)

-can’t go into work/school? let people know. let your coworkers or classmates know it’s an emergency and you can’t make it. give yourself up to two days, but then you have to go back. ask to have your work emailed to you so you know what you missed.

-can’t brush your teeth and wash your face? makeup or baby wipes and gum or mouthwash. don’t let yourself physically rot bc you’re rotting emotionally.

if you were looking for permission to eat; it’s ok. you can eat. you have permission.

if you were looking for permission to cry; it’s ok. you can cry. you have permission.

if you were looking for permission to rest; it’s ok. you can rest. you have permission.

if you were looking for permission to bathe; it’s ok. you can bathe. you have permission.

if you need permission for anything healthy and important, but you don’t think you can or deserve to, this is your permission.

you can do it. it’s ok. take care of yourself.