This week’s FYI email is about self care. What is self care? Who has time for it? Right now is a stressful time…we’re living in a time of stress that is unprecedented…it’s so important that we take moments to find our joy. It’s hard…I know…I’m not the greatest at it. The stress of COVID and the fear of getting sick or economic fragility is overwhelming at times…but I have to try and find the things that make me feel safe and whole. For me, peace often comes from a hot cup of tea with a good book in the mountains that I love. If I can’t get there…I go to an image that reminds me of my peace.
Take a moment and read below…let’s learn what is self care and how do we make time.
(The information below was made possible by https://www.loveisrespect.org/for-yourself/self-care/)
What Is Self-Care?
What is self-care, and how does it work?
Basically, self-care is taking the time to care for yourself in whichever ways work best for you. We know that to be in a healthy relationship we each need time for ourselves and our own interests, but sometimes even when we’re single our work and life schedules can get in the way of us truly taking the best care of ourselves. It’s important to remember to have fun, to relax…to stop and smell the roses!
Self-care can be a really positive thing for anyone, including people who have experienced some form of trauma. Journaling is one of the most popular self-care activities our advocates recommend because it can be very therapeutic. You can go old school and grab a spiral notebook and a pencil, invest in a fancy leather-bound sketchbook with a key, or search online for a password protected journal, so only you can have access to it. No matter how you organize your thoughts, it’s important to let yourself dream!
If you don’t enjoy writing, there are TONS of other things that you can do. Just start thinking about what makes you happy. As an example, volunteering for something in your local community not only lets you give back, it can also help you meet people who have similar interests and lifestyles. For solo projects, we recommend anything creative, like art, music, cooking or learning a new language as a different way to express yourself. And if baking is your self-care go-to, it can be a great way to make friends who will help you eat the results!
For some people, spending time with family is very relaxing and makes them happy. Though during COVID this can be tricky….modern technology is helping us all at least see each other’s faces. For others, talking to a therapist is better for their mental health. Need help setting boundaries with friends or family to protect your emotional well-being? Looking for some longer-term support? Chat with a Haven advocate today and we can see what’s in our area. When it comes to self-care, there is no right or wrong answer. All that matters is that you are taking some time for yourself to do something you enjoy.
Don’t forget to eat regularly and drink plenty of water. Especially when our minds or hearts are stressed, we rely on our bodies even more to help us trudge forward, so make sure you’re fueling yourself with a balanced mix of veggies, fruits, nuts, carbs and protein. Skipping meals because you’re upset or too busy can not only add to your stress, your body can respond physically in the form of headaches, digestion problems and mood swings from drastic changes in blood sugar. Most people have been known to rely on coffee or energy drinks to get going from time to time. But sugary, caffeinated drinks are also known to cause a “crash” so make sure for every cup of coffee you have, you match it with a glass of water.
Physical activity is not only great for your body, it is also a really helpful tool in your self-care toolbox. You don’t have to be a hardcore athlete, just getting moving and appreciating all of the wonderful things our bodies can do for us is therapeutic, too. Going for walks, especially if you can soak up some nature, can be just as powerful as running a marathon when it comes to emotional wellness. Jogging, yoga, sports, dancing, or throwing a ball with your dog are all good ways to release pent-up energy. Getting regular exercise can help you sleep better, too, which is another crucial element in taking care of yourself.
If you’re not getting enough sleep yet, tackling self-care may seem like just another thing to stress out about, but it can be really simple. Taking a bubble bath, playing a video game, painting your nails, working on a car, watching your favorite show or a silly cat video, reading a good book, or even just taking five minutes to do some deep breathing or meditating all count as self-care.
So, what are you going to do today to relax, be happy and take care of yourself? If you need some help creating a self-care plan, we’re here for you! Call, chat or text with a Haven advocate today.
Remember, you are NOT alone!
If you (or someone you love) are co-quarantined with an abuser or worried about having to self-isolate from coronavirus in a dangerous home situation, please REACH OUT!
Find more information on our website: https://havenprogram.com/
If you are able please call or see the messaging links above:
Haven Office: 918-554-2836
Text Line: 918.533.3070
OVC and Crime Victim Advocate: 541.602.0616
Website: havenprogram.com, Facebook: HAVEN Tribal Program, Twitter: @ProgramHaven, Instagram: HAVENTRIBALProgram).
Our advocates are here to help!
