Sometimes, despite everything we know and fight against, the negativities in the world still get us down.
When my period comes around, for instance, my hormones tend to bum me out. I get bloated and uncomfortable and the sneaky *SADS* come on, so that my brain convinces me I’m terrible/ugly/unhappy with myself, and it’s hard to remind myself that I’m none of those things. It’s annoying because I can feel myself getting grouchy and I know it’s just chemicals firing off mis-signals, but that doesn’t stop the *SADS* in their attack phase.
A friend of mine recently started a Facebook post where they asked for suggestions from their friends regarding what we each do for self care. I thought it was a genius idea, so I’ve gathered my favourites here as a reminder to self (and for whoever else needs it!)
An Alphabetised List of Self Care Activities For When The Sneaky SADS Come Knocking
| A bush walk |
| A long/short walk or run |
| A massage |
| Apply beauty products/make up |
| Bird watch |
| Break something (not precious) |
| Burn candles |
| Calming tea |
| Care for something (a person/pet/plant/etc) |
| Cheer for your team |
| Clean |
| Cloud watch |
| Colour |
| Conversation with a good friend |
| Cook something |
| Create something |
| Cry over a romance novel/movie |
| Cry, cry, cry |
| Cuddle up in bed |
| Dance |
| Declutter your space(s) |
| Do a favourite sport, such as surfing/running/skiing/etc |
| Do yoga/Pilates/stretches |
| Draw |
| Dress up |
| Eat something delicious |
| Exercise |
| Explore a new kink or position |
| Flora/fungi hunt |
| Follow a beauty routine such as cleanse/tone/moisturise |
| Gaming (board/card games) |
| Gaming (console games) |
| Gaming (online gaming) |
| Gaming (RPG and LARP) |
| Go for a drive |
| Go on an adventure |
| Go to the movies |
| Hair cut |
| Have safe, sane and consensual sex |
| Hug a beloved family member |
| Hugs/cuddles |
| Journal |
| Learn something new |
| Listen to music |
| Long bath |
| Long shower |
| Look at art |
| Look at insects/birds/other animals |
| Look up facts about a topic |
| Masturbate |
| Meditate |
| Meet someone new |
| Mix and sort a collection of objects |
| Nap |
| Participate in team sports |
| Play with an animal |
| Rant to a trusted person |
| Read a book |
| Read in the bath |
| Rearrange a room/space |
| Recite positive affirmations |
| Seek help/reach out |
| Sleep |
| Spend time with a significant other |
| Spend time with self |
| Star gaze |
| Take a selfie |
| Take photographs |
| Take your medication (if relevant) |
| Talk to a counsellor or psych |
| Talk to people that understand |
| Think about good memories |
| Think about happy things |
| Volunteer/help others |
| Watch favourite TV shows |
| Write out the feelings |
| Write something creative |
| Yell at the world (but not others/yourself) |
What I think is most useful, is to look at your self care activity as being something that cancels out the negative feelings. It is important that whatever you choose to do, that it doesn’t reinforce the negativity. If you’re in a bad space because of sexual reasons, having sexual contact maybe isn’t the answer (not a blanket statement, though- remember, it’s a personal choice!). Try talking with a friend, snuggling, cuddle parties or exercise to get your endorphins pumping, if this is the case. That said, if you’re in a bad space because of lack of body positivity, sex with a person/people who understand this and can healthily show you why you and your body are amazing/talented/worthy of wonderful things can be really beneficial. The same with, say, money problems. Buying something (such as my favourites, new clothes and make up) maybe isn’t the solution here. Instead, think about creating something with items left around the house or found objects. You’ll satisfy the urge for the new, but without adding a new stressor upon yourself.
It is also important to recognise when to reach out. Reaching out to others shouldn’t be your last resort! Seeking help from a friend, a help service or from a professional are vital self care activities and you do not need to feel embarrassed or any need to apologise for doing so. This is an act of courage and strength! Here are some links to great Australian services that are always willing to help:
In an emergency call 000.
Mental Health Crisis Service ACT: 1800 629 354 (24 hours) or (02) 6205 1065 – http://health.act.gov.au/our-services/mental-health
Lifeline Canberra tel: 13 11 14 (24 hours) or http://www.act.lifeline.org.au
Kids Helpline (for people aged 25 and under) tel: 1800 55 1800 (24 Hours) or http://kidshelpline.com.au for online help
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or http://www.beyondblue.org.au
SANE Helpline: 1800 187 263 or http://www.sane.org/get-help for online help
Healthdirect – 24 hour health advice from a registered nurse or a GP: 1800 022 222.
Or visit the website to locate your nearest open doctor office or chemist as well: http://www.healthdirect.gov.au/after-hours-gp-helpline
As for me – I had a long shower, gave myself a massage and had an early night in with my electric blanket. It was perfect and the sneaky *SADS* were banished for another month. ^_^
Do you have anything to add to the list? What do you do for self care?
– Danni
Danielle Kathleen Day 