SELF CARE TIPS FROM THE NIAMH LOUISE FOUNDATION
We want to remind anyone experiencing emotional distress, thoughts of suicide, and or thoughts of self-harm, to please give yourself permission to do what you can at this time and not put undue pressure on yourself.
If you are able to manage a walk, even to the front gate, or a potter around the garden, that is brilliant; do what is right for you.
If you find there are days where physically and mentally you are not able to do anything, that is ok! Give yourself permission to rest.
We must remember the importance of self-care – do not force yourself to do things you don’t feel up to doing.
We may be experiencing isolation, loneliness, fear. We need to be good to ourselves and not feel forced to try and keep up with the things we would normally have done. To those of you who can‌brilliant and please keep it up as best you can!
You may be inspired by Mark Farquhar from Pomeroy, who completed an Ironman Distance Triathlon from home to celebrate his 40th Birthday and to support the Foundation.
Or the Duffy family and friends in Warrenpoint who walked 100 kilometres in 10 days in aid of the Foundation.
To those of you who have been struggling, please look after yourselves. At the minute every achievement is personal so do what is right for you, no matter how big or small.
These are not normal times that we are living in. Please remember your limitations and be kind to yourself at this time. We all need to find a balance in our routine and our actions.
To anyone who is finding it hard to get out of bed – be kind to yourself. To anyone who is struggling to exercise – be kind to yourself. And to those who don’t know when to stop exercising – be kind to yourself!
Remember the importance of self-care and try and find the right balance‌not too much or too little of anything. You are not alone.