Self Care Tips...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Cactus Plant

I've always called this a Christmas cactus, but in the past, it's bloomed any time between Thanksgiving and Epiphany. Whichever cactus it's supposed to be, it's really beautiful right now. I smile every time I look at it. 

 

I'm really having difficulty motivating to create something (besides my crocheted popcorn and bread) these days. I think that my physical issues are weighing on me, and to make matters worse, I've lost a little ground in the healing process. Thankfully, the doctor moved my post op appointment up ten days, so I'm hoping he can get a handle on what's wrong. He also gave me a prescription that we hope will be beneficial in the meantime.

 

I came across this today, and although I really don't think I'm suffering from depression, I do know that I'll be happy when I no longer feel like my body is "broken" and needs to be fixed. This all started in July, and I'm looking forward to seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Anyway, here's what I saw, and I think it's good advice for any time, not just to alleviate depression. I'm sharing it because, well, you know, you never know who it might help.

 

Depression tips:

-Shower. Not a bath, a shower. Use water as hot or cold as you like. You don’t even need to wash. Just get in under the water and let it run over you for a while. Sit on the floor if you gotta.

-Moisturize everything. Use whatever lotion you like. Unscented? Dollar store lotion? Fancy 48-hour lotion that makes you smell like a field of wildflowers? Use whatever you want, and use it all over your entire dermis.

-Put on clean, comfortable clothes.

-Put on your favorite underwear. Cute black lacy panties? Those ridiculous boxers you bought last Christmas with candy cane hearts on the butt? Put them on.

-Drink cold water. Use ice. If you want, add some mint or lemon for an extra boost. I always use lemon.

-Clean something. Doesn’t have to be anything big. Organize one drawer of a desk. Wash five dirty dishes. Do a load of laundry. Scrub the bathroom sink.

-Blast music. Listen to something upbeat and dancey and loud, something that’s got lots of energy. Sing to it, dance to it, even if you suck at both.

-Make food. Don’t just grab a granola bar to munch. Take the time and make food. Even if it’s ramen. Add something special to it, like a soft boiled egg or some veggies. Prepare food, it tastes way better, and you’ll feel like you accomplished something.

-Make something. Write a short story or a poem, draw a picture, color a picture, fold origami, crochet or knit, sculpt something out of clay, anything artistic. Even if you don’t think you’re good at it. Create.

-Go outside. Take a walk. Sit in the grass. Look at the clouds. Smell flowers. Put your hands in the dirt and feel the soil against your skin.

-Call someone. Call a loved one, a friend, a family member, call a chat service if you have no one else to call. Talk to a stranger on the street. Have a conversation and listen to someone’s voice. If you can’t bring yourself to call, text, or email, or whatever, just have some social interaction with another person. Even if you don’t say much, listen to them. It helps.

-Cuddle your pets if you have them/can cuddle them. Take pictures of them. Talk to them. Tell them how you feel, about your favorite movie, a new game coming out, anything.

-May seem small or silly to some, but this list keeps people alive.

****Your absolute best won’t ever be good enough for the wrong people. At your worst, you’ll still be worth it to the right ones. Remember that.****

KEEP HOLDING ON. In case nobody has told you today I love you and you are worth your weight and then some in gold so be kind to yourself and most of all keep pushing on!!!!

Find something to be grateful for!

 I think these ideas could benefit just about everyone. What do you think?