SELF CARE FOR BEGINNERS

Basics: Remember to eat something, drink water & keep hydrated, take your meds :) Write down a positive affirmation about yourself or what you want to eventually believe about yourself (I.e. - I am loved just as I am) Pace yourself, take time to rest when needed. There’s no shame in taking a nap once in a while Be gentle and patient with yourself. (Easier said than done) It’s okay to feel what you feel. Allow yourself to grief, get angry, cry, then transform those feelings into writing, art, helping others, etc. P.S. - Shame or guilt are lies.

Ground yourself to get back in the present moment: name 5 things in the room that you see Taking a warm bath or shower relaxes tense nerves Laughter is a great medicine: watch funny YouTube clips or your favorite comedy/TV show Reminder: You are what you eat...eating healthy (I.e.

- fresh fruits, vegetables, smoothies, low-sugar high nutrient foods) helps your body to tell your mind to feel good Get a stress ball to squeeze or stuffed toy to hug whenever you feel scared, lonely, or sad Play with your pet if you have one Aromatherapy time! Grab some scents such as lavender or eucalyptus that help relax the mind and body

Take a break from the computer, laptop, or phone wherever you have internet/social media access (unplug and recharge!): Constantly looking at social media is linked to depression & anxiety because we often compare ourselves to others, plus it can trigger self-loathing behaviors) Take time to do something that you love or helps you keep calm: Journal (when in doubt write it out!), draw, read a nice book, go out for a walk, get fresh air, meditate, lie in the grass and watch the clouds in the sky, take a moment to breathe, watch your favorite movie, listen to your favorite music, read inspirational quotes, stretch your body, play your favorite sport, go to the spa (let yourself be pampered!), talk or vent to a friend you trust Find a community or online support group that encourages or helps you in your healing process Take time to tell yourself healing is a process and doesn’t happen over night *It can sometimes be frustrating when not everything is done on your to do list in your head, but remember you are STILL healing & that takes some time.

Sometimes taking breaks between tasks that can drain you emotionally or physically is what you need best.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE! YOU CAN GET THROUGH THIS!

© MODERN SAINTHOOD ZINE 2019