Three self-care things you did today!

[ecomama]

We can do it BBers, we can do self-care.

Sleepy21 pointed out research that shows self-care REALLY helps!

Please share what you do for self-care so we can get inspiration, ideas and motivation to do it too.

Best wishes
EM

[Doolhof]

I tried some self care today!

1/ phoned the new psychologist for an appointment. He stated he would call me back in half an hour...that was 6 hours ago! Maybe I will try again tomorrow!

2/ drove 20 kilometres one way for a haircut, only to arrive to discover the lady cuts hair outside...on a 40 degree day! She was just starting another ladies hair when I arrived at my appointment time! I told her I would pass out if I had to sit in that heat for an hour! Came home and tried another hairdresser who has an answering machine!

3/ Going to read a book now as feeling a little frustrated and disappointed with today. 

[mmMekitty]

Some days are like that, eh, Dools - when it seems you don't get a break.

I am glad you tried, you made the effort, you got yourself up & dressed, & (I trust you had breakfast), drove yourself, & made a choice which was better than risking your health to heat stroke! I'd try the psychologist again. You ca't know what may have have happened. His not returning your call may have been beyond his control. But I agree, 6 hours go by without him phoning you back does seem rather unprofessional of him.

Today, I went to the dentist!

I was able to explain how I am anxious. I said I would prefer the back of the chair to be lowered before I recline myself into it. That was fine with the dentist.

& was able to explain how sensitive I am to pain, & she gave me some numbing gel at the start of the cleaning.

Still, it is difficult for me to go to the dentist, because of some old memories which have similar feelings to how I feel when I am there. I do it feeling on the verge of jumping up & running out all through the appointment.

Then I had to speak loudly in the Apple Shop. That's another challenge for me.

This afternoon I said to my support worker, when she noticed the girl from next door seemed to be waiting for me, that I was too tired, & likely cannot tolerate the girl wanting to visit, with her noise, energy, & I said I cold not deal with her now. She was helpful, by quietly. calmly walking me to my door, & getting us inside, & closing my door, when usually she would continue talking loudly, would say 'hello' to people outside, & leave my door open (not eht security door), which would encourage the little girl. So, today, I did not have the girl repeatedly wanting to come in, because she doesn't understand I can't & don't want to have her at my place.

Doing that gave me time to relax, then get my dinner ready at a reasonable time. I feel better for that.

I also found a rashi shirt for when I get to go for some hydrotherapy.

& my support worker & I walked around for something like 3 hours today. The Apple Shop is in a large shoppimg centre.

I conclude, I have done well today. [LRC purrs & grins, stretching across the back of the lounge.]

mmMekitty

[Eagle Ray]

Hello Dools and mmMeKitty and All

I’m glad you at least found a way to self-sooth with a book at the end of your day Dools. I had a similar day last week and thought I should have just stayed home in bed. But as mmMeKitty pointed out, you made an effort and that’s something. I hope tomorrow brings a fresh new day with things flowing better.

mmMeKitty, I really liked how you described communicating your needs with the dentist and in regard to the little girl wanting to visit when you’re too tired. I’m learning to set these kinds of boundaries around the limits I have. I used to have difficulty even identifying my limits and needs. It’s always encouraging to read about others’ experiences with such things.

For me today:

1. After feeling more uplifted last night I found myself in a bit of a downward spiral again today. I was able to remind myself that things pass. Sometimes things feel bleak but I was able to kind of sit with the feelings today and then let them pass through, like a cold wind which is only temporary and, just like the weather, things will change.

2. Participated in an online course I’m doing. It was good getting to chat with other participants. I was tired and a bit spaced out today but did my best to stay engaged.

3. Played my guitar including a composition I wrote years ago. Thinking about turning it into a healing song.

[Doolhof]

Hi mmMekitty and all reading,

Thanks for sharing about your day. I have a phobia with hairdressers! I don't like feeling like I am pinned down and stuck in the chair with someone waving a pair of scissors at me. Past incidents are probably tangled up giving my mind a confusing image of what to most people is a pleasant experience.

My self care today will be to try yet another hair dresser so I can eventually have my hair cut!

I will try to phone the psychologist again, I do realise a million and one things could have happened yesterday to prevent him from calling back.

I've been out watering before it becomes too hot and have also had a walk at sunrise.

My depression is rather unpleasant so I am going to go easy on myself today, I have my crochet and some colouring in organised for a start.

[Doolhof]

Hi All,

Brief update, the psychologist phoned back stating he had a very busy day and apologised. An appointment has been made for end of next month. Told him I appreciated him calling back. I understand stuff happens to us all!

It is wonderful when we can see some light in the darkness! 

[sbella02]

Dools, I'm proud of you for powering through these experiences. I'm glad that your psychologist has phoned back and that all is well, and well done for seeking another hairdresser despite your hesitation surrounding the experience. 

Eagle Ray, music can be very therapeutic. Particularly writing music, for those who like to do so, lyrical and musical expression is very healing.

mmMekitty, I'm glad you're doing well. It seems like communicating your needs has been a strength of yours, which is great.

My self-cares:

1. I'm about to do a bit of reading, I'm really getting into my new book.
2. Had a big sleep-in! For once, I didn't have anything to get up early for. 
3. Playing video games and relaxing.

SB

[Anicca]

Today I received some sad news. The person suggested I cuddle my puppy while we spoke. I did and it did give me some comfort. 

[Eagle Ray]

Dear Anicca, I’m so sorry you received sad news. But so glad you have the comfort of your puppy. Puppies are just beautiful and playful and give us hope and joy. Cuddling releases oxytocin which is a nurturing, feel-good hormone. So there are so many benefits to being with your puppy. I hope the pain of the sad news starts to ease and that you can keep gently self-caring during this time.

So glad your psychologist got back to you Dools. And enjoyed reading your self-cares SB, including the big sleep-in which can be really nice when we haven’t had a chance to in a while.

For me today:

1. Went to a local cafe for lunch. Had a lot of grief and distress come up again this morning. But I find just being in the cafe with the friendly staff who know me is somehow comforting. So felt better for it.

2. Went for a decent walk, stopping by the river for a while where I saw dolphins and later stingrays. Loved the blue/green colours in the water.

3. Decided to accept my home is a bit untidy and disorganised at the moment instead of feeling bad about it. I’m doing my best but still sorting through boxes of items of things that belonged to loved ones who’ve recently died, and it really is hard dealing with those things. I’m thinking of someone I know with small children and his house is full of scattered toys, kids drawings etc. It’s a home for kids first and foremost. So what matters is a home feeling comfortable and being lived in, not one that’s organised to perfection. I’m allowed to be a bit chaotic if that’s where I’m at.

[mmMekitty]

Hi ER. Communicating my needs & asking for what I want has been something difficult for me for about as long as I can remember.Responses had often given me the impression that I was asking something 'special' which was threfore, undeserving, unwarrented, unnecessary, & irrelevant, so at some point I stopped asking.

The limits/boundary issue is also something I am still learning. Recognising I have a right to set my own boundaries & that I can expect these boundaries to be respected, although, this means I have to also make clear to others, what my boundaries are. All of this is difficult, too.

I feel I've made some progress towards communicating to some people, usually when the relationship is a 'business' relationship, not purely social. I think those such as friendships will be more difficult.

I'm glad I noticed I could say what I did. & that my needs would not be rejected, but respected. That is important to me, too, to break down that old idea that everything I want or need will be unaccepted & rejected pretty much out-of-hand. 

I made an effort today to sort out a mix up, which I think was something I had misread, myself... Phones calls, an group email to the few people who need to know that I am happy to accept the appointment time & date for an Occupational therapist to visit my place. & I am pleased to have it as soon as it is, because I thought I would be waiting longer. I am pleased about sooner! I felt all frazzled, but got through it. As far as I am concerned that is now a date in my calendar, & something I won't be worrying about.

...But I will be thinking about what I will need to say to the OT on the day! I think I will make a list, this time.

& I have made a point of doing exercises & stretches. I think I may have done something yesterday, or sleeping in the wrong position, so a couple areas are tight & sore feeling, in my right arm & right side of my neck.

I'm not doing much more tonight. I feel rather worn out, too, because my gut has been playing up, not badly, but it's not been pleasant either.

Hugzies to all.

mmMekitty

[mmMekitty]

PS tonight, I am exercising to the ABC's broadcast of the World Pride concert, Sydney! It's not music I usually listen to - but some I recall from the time when I was out more & thinking my sexuality & gender were of some importance to me. How I remember some of the songs! It's making me smile tonight, which gives me a feeling that acknowledging my own past, & where I am now, is some more self-care I am doing tonight.

🏳️‍🌈(but I'd rather have more the inclusive flag, which would thaen represent more of us.)

Hugzies everyone!

mmMekitty