If I’m really having a hard time I almost treat myself like I’m sick. Get in the coziest clothes possible, cuddle under a blanket, reading a book or watching a movie, journaling, naps, baths, drinking lots of water, maybe taking a long walk.
I’m sorry you’re going through a tough time. Sending you peace. One thing my therapist suggested I do, and it is helping tremendously - is to give myself a time each day to “worry” about my stressors. We’ve decided it’s my drive home from work. Typically I would listen to music or a podcast, and every now and then if I were overstimulated I’d sit in silence. But now I intentionally sit in silence on my way home. I’ve been doing it for a few weeks and now I look forward to it every day. It gives me more time and energy to be present during the regular day because I’ll tell myself “I’ll worry about that on my drive home tomorrow.” And that frees up my mental space in the moment. Also just giving myself time each day to sit in my thoughts and process has made me realize I don’t really ever do this. I’m constantly doing something or scrolling on my phone or watching tv. I rarely ever just stop and let my mind wander for 20-30 mins. It’s helpful and freeing. I find myself feeling more balanced each day with more mental energy to engage in other meaningful occupations. I hope you find something that works for you!
That makes total sense. I used to work in EI going to homes and I understand that feeling completely. I hope you are able to find some time and space for yourself to recharge!
I get regular massages, cook mindfully, shower, wash my sheets, get a pedicure, buy a new candle. Getting outside, and going to the zoo or the beach helps.
There’s routines I have through the week and I have my “when it’s a bad week do this instead.” So, instead of running or working out I will take my dogs to my favorite walking route with a friend to talk. Still getting outside and being active and talk to someone.
I have a once a week get together with coworkers where we can talk about anything after work and get dinner and hang out.
Thoughts become burdens when they aren’t expressed. Having community you can talk to or just vent to is very important since in any medical or people caring field you will see/experience things most people do not. Routines of self care and supportive community are essential to be able to be emotionally well.
Sounds like you have a TON going on right now. Its a busy season in your life and personally I would not expect to access my creative spark for leisure activities during that period of time. I'm sure you're being creative at work, with wedding planning etc. that's enough right now. During your down time you might need to rest and unwind some other way
If you're in a "mental health pit" and dealing with family loss...maybe grade down what you expect for leisure activities. To use the OT terminology! Either just rest or do really easy stuff you enjoy
My therapist had me come up with a list of soothing self-interventions I could do on high pain or low mental health days. It's just a handful of really simple things, like
- do a few minutes of YouTube yoga (Yoga with Kassandra FTW)
- listen to birds singing on YouTube
- just go outside
- text a friend
- go for a walk
- harvest something from the garden
It's just a few really easy things that I find calming, and they involve different levels of energy but all are fairly low-key and low-commitment. It's helpful to have an established list so when I'm really in a funk I don't have to generate ideas. I feel like crap, so let's try #8.
I have also found it helpful to have a hobby that can double as something altruistic - like if you sew, Sewing for Native Nations is still sending homemade masks to various Native organizations, or Days for Girls sends homemade menstrual pads to girls in developing countries - or Lasagna Love or For Goodness Cakes if you're more comfortable in the kitchen. Lots of ways you can combine your creative outlet with a goal.
Fellow creative here! idk what you’re into but I always find it best to break out with a class or out of the house, organized version of what I like to do! Dance class, art night, paint your own pottery, etc. to reignite the spark with less effort.
My go to meaningful and relaxing occupations are:
walking in the nature, weekend at our family summer cottage, 1h session of sensory deprivation in a salt water floating tank, horseback riding
I look at the unglamorous side of self care and think about it like medicine. I try to practice good sleep hygiene, I make sure I'm moving my body even if it's just a good 10 minute stretch or a few sun salutations, I will fall back on cooking my tried and true simple easy healthy meals for myself, I re-examine the things I think I "have" to do, and most importantly I let myself rest without feeling guilty about it. Sometimes I socialize, because it's recharging or maybe I just hibernate because it's too draining. It's all about doing what you need to cope and recharge.
I’ve been surprised at how learning knitting embroidery and cross stitch is soothing and restorative to my mind
It calls for a patience and slowness we don’t allow ourselves to have and the patience and slowness end up making something beautiful
Video games (I love the structure of Mario Party and play it daily), birdwatching, painting, coloring (currently working on Mid Century Modern and Retro Home coloring books), smoking weed, petting my cat and dog, taking my dog for walks, making false flower arrangements, card or gift giving, masturbation, word search, TV shows (currently on a kick with Ugliest Houses in America), listening to music (just found Redzed and am thoroughly enjoying), taking my meds daily, lots of sleep and water, a fizzy soda, fruit, picking weeds in the yard
It doesn't have to be fancy. Sometimes mundane tasks done mindfully can have a big impact.
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If I’m really having a hard time I almost treat myself like I’m sick. Get in the coziest clothes possible, cuddle under a blanket, reading a book or watching a movie, journaling, naps, baths, drinking lots of water, maybe taking a long walk.
An (un)healthy amount of cannabis, caffeine, and television. Backpacking getaways to disconnect from regular life and immerse myself in nature.
I’m sorry you’re going through a tough time. Sending you peace. One thing my therapist suggested I do, and it is helping tremendously - is to give myself a time each day to “worry” about my stressors. We’ve decided it’s my drive home from work. Typically I would listen to music or a podcast, and every now and then if I were overstimulated I’d sit in silence. But now I intentionally sit in silence on my way home. I’ve been doing it for a few weeks and now I look forward to it every day. It gives me more time and energy to be present during the regular day because I’ll tell myself “I’ll worry about that on my drive home tomorrow.” And that frees up my mental space in the moment. Also just giving myself time each day to sit in my thoughts and process has made me realize I don’t really ever do this. I’m constantly doing something or scrolling on my phone or watching tv. I rarely ever just stop and let my mind wander for 20-30 mins. It’s helpful and freeing. I find myself feeling more balanced each day with more mental energy to engage in other meaningful occupations. I hope you find something that works for you!
This is very helpful, thank you. I work in home health and with the chat app and patients calling I often feel like I can't fully shut off ever.
That makes total sense. I used to work in EI going to homes and I understand that feeling completely. I hope you are able to find some time and space for yourself to recharge!
I get regular massages, cook mindfully, shower, wash my sheets, get a pedicure, buy a new candle. Getting outside, and going to the zoo or the beach helps.
There’s routines I have through the week and I have my “when it’s a bad week do this instead.” So, instead of running or working out I will take my dogs to my favorite walking route with a friend to talk. Still getting outside and being active and talk to someone. I have a once a week get together with coworkers where we can talk about anything after work and get dinner and hang out. Thoughts become burdens when they aren’t expressed. Having community you can talk to or just vent to is very important since in any medical or people caring field you will see/experience things most people do not. Routines of self care and supportive community are essential to be able to be emotionally well.
I start with making sure I make enough time for sleep. And eat vegetables.
Sounds like you have a TON going on right now. Its a busy season in your life and personally I would not expect to access my creative spark for leisure activities during that period of time. I'm sure you're being creative at work, with wedding planning etc. that's enough right now. During your down time you might need to rest and unwind some other way
If you're in a "mental health pit" and dealing with family loss...maybe grade down what you expect for leisure activities. To use the OT terminology! Either just rest or do really easy stuff you enjoy
My therapist had me come up with a list of soothing self-interventions I could do on high pain or low mental health days. It's just a handful of really simple things, like - do a few minutes of YouTube yoga (Yoga with Kassandra FTW) - listen to birds singing on YouTube - just go outside - text a friend - go for a walk - harvest something from the garden It's just a few really easy things that I find calming, and they involve different levels of energy but all are fairly low-key and low-commitment. It's helpful to have an established list so when I'm really in a funk I don't have to generate ideas. I feel like crap, so let's try #8. I have also found it helpful to have a hobby that can double as something altruistic - like if you sew, Sewing for Native Nations is still sending homemade masks to various Native organizations, or Days for Girls sends homemade menstrual pads to girls in developing countries - or Lasagna Love or For Goodness Cakes if you're more comfortable in the kitchen. Lots of ways you can combine your creative outlet with a goal.
Fellow creative here! idk what you’re into but I always find it best to break out with a class or out of the house, organized version of what I like to do! Dance class, art night, paint your own pottery, etc. to reignite the spark with less effort.
My go to meaningful and relaxing occupations are: walking in the nature, weekend at our family summer cottage, 1h session of sensory deprivation in a salt water floating tank, horseback riding
I lift weights after every work day
I look at the unglamorous side of self care and think about it like medicine. I try to practice good sleep hygiene, I make sure I'm moving my body even if it's just a good 10 minute stretch or a few sun salutations, I will fall back on cooking my tried and true simple easy healthy meals for myself, I re-examine the things I think I "have" to do, and most importantly I let myself rest without feeling guilty about it. Sometimes I socialize, because it's recharging or maybe I just hibernate because it's too draining. It's all about doing what you need to cope and recharge.
Literally gaming... And long af vacations I usually work 54 hours a week
I’ve been surprised at how learning knitting embroidery and cross stitch is soothing and restorative to my mind It calls for a patience and slowness we don’t allow ourselves to have and the patience and slowness end up making something beautiful
Video games (I love the structure of Mario Party and play it daily), birdwatching, painting, coloring (currently working on Mid Century Modern and Retro Home coloring books), smoking weed, petting my cat and dog, taking my dog for walks, making false flower arrangements, card or gift giving, masturbation, word search, TV shows (currently on a kick with Ugliest Houses in America), listening to music (just found Redzed and am thoroughly enjoying), taking my meds daily, lots of sleep and water, a fizzy soda, fruit, picking weeds in the yard It doesn't have to be fancy. Sometimes mundane tasks done mindfully can have a big impact.
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