Self Care And Self Improvement

[Ayasha]

I'm not sure if I'm any good at doing things for myself or not. I like doing things for other people but I have been told that I do need to take time to focus on getting myself better.

 

[NarcSis]

I'm practicing tolerance of anxiety in public. I am purposely going into crowds to practice sitting with my anxiety and positive self talk to help me tolerate it.

I find I am far more patient despite the anxiousness beneath the surface - far better now than my non-PTSD sister!

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Medic I like the idea of positive self talk. I force myself to do things in public when I have anxiety and I have not tried positive self talk. I just say I will not fail. I will try it the way you are doing it. Is it like exposure therapy.

 

[Sailorgal]

Ayasha - I hope you will put YOU first and be encouraged by the others. :happy:

It starts with the small steps. For some of us, it's just opening the curtains.

Medic - what you are doing is very brave! It makes a big difference whether you think so or not!

Safenow - I knew it was one of those spices! I think tea tree is good too. I use that alot!

 

[Ayasha]

Well, one way I'm taking care of myself is by having come back to school early. I was panicking at the thought of New Year's because that is when Mother's family comes to visit (often that family member is included) and I just couldn't bear the idea of staying in a house with him again.

When I expressed this fear to my resident director, she reminded me I could come back to the apartments (luckily I live in one of the only buildings that remains open during breaks); just to give me a better excuse to get back here she placed me on the work schedule so my parents felt obligated to bring me back.

My Therapist (T) encouraged this and now I'm so grateful to the both of them because I'm back on campus and I'm nearly as happy now as I was on Christmas with the kids. :happy:

 

[Hashi]

I'm out of work at the moment and I knew I was in danger of spending all day in my pyjamas with a couple of jumpers on top, especially since I don't have much money for clothes. Previously I prioritised smart work clothes and they aren't things I want to wear around the house. So I budgeted to buy some nice, comfortable clothes to wear at home and I get dressed as soon as I get up. It makes me feel much better.

I also try to keep my flat clean and tidy enough that I could let someone in without having to go round first shoving things in cupboards and hiding three-day-old dirty dishes. In fact, people rarely come in and I know that - its just a standard to aim for. This is really difficult for me, but I'm managing it and it's nice to live in a pleasanter, more organised environment.

I'm trying for a healthier lifestyle, too, but apart from eating better haven't got as far with that as I'd like. Oh well.

 

[Thinkingman85]

I've been praying recently. I'm starting feel like I'm worthy of reconnecting with God again. Maybe it's that guilt is lifting. My desire to hold on to pain is lowering. There are many positive approaches. Personally, I'm trying to not hold on to the pain anymore.

 

[Ayasha]

I'm trying for a healthier lifestyle, too, but apart from eating better haven't got as far with that as I'd like. Oh well.

Changing to a healthier lifestyle takes time, and starting by eating healthier is a great way to start. You can do it.

 

[maddog]

It's sad, and very telling, that it's taken me this long to even bring myself to contribute to this thread...

I'm setting all sorts of longing-filled goals about improved self care, and so far failing to meet any of them consistently. I want to eat better, exercise more consistently/reasonably, work on better sleep hygiene, socialise more consistently/without turbulence, focus more on the positives and progress... and on and on and on.

I know I need to start small and achievable and try to kick some little goals to get the feel for them. So far, I'm still at the trying and hoping stage...

It's a bit sad really.

Maddog

 

[Sailorgal]

So I budgeted to buy some nice, comfortable clothes to wear at home and I get dressed as soon as I get up. It makes me feel much better.

It's true the psychology of how our dress affects our morale in many ways. Keeping up the cleanliness makes it easier in the long run. Amazing how things add up....

Maddog, something like even drinking more water which you have started is a good first step! Hope you will be encouraged to find some simple, easy steps to implement.

I've started doing more stretches and a few exercises (lunges and jumping jacks) for a few minutes at a time to keep my blood pumping in between checking this forum! :p

 

[Hashi]

I'm setting all sorts of longing-filled goals about improved self care, and so far failing to meet any of them consistently.

You're not the only one. I think all we can do is be compassionate with ourselves and try again tomorrow... and the next day... and the next day...

When things do stick, it's wonderful. I love that I'm managing to wash the dishes twice a day, so when I walk into the kitchen it's clear and clean. It has taken me so long to get to this point, I don't want to think about it. I do like thinking that I've got to it, though.

Time is relative. ;)

We can only do so much. The fact that you're even thinking about it is a good thing.

 

[Ayasha]

It has taken me so long to get to this point, I don't want to think about it. I do like thinking that I've got to it, though.

I think the best way to look at it is that you've done it and you're making it a habit.

Maddog, don't beat yourself up over not reaching your goals yet. I actually just got out of a behavior modification course (it's one for my major) and if I learned one thing, it is that behaviors are HARD to change. The first step is setting goals that you can reach and to reward yourself. And we're all here to encourage you. :tup: