"take Care Of Yourself"

[PurpleSurvivor]

Exactly what does it mean?

I've figured out sleeping and eating properly (or as good as I can), but is there anything else involved in the phrase? I know it's not just a politeness-thing that people say automatically this time and I really want to honor that request but I keep thinking that I'm missing something I'm supposed to do.

 

[Lionheart]

This could mean anything from seeking and receiving professional assistance, keeping our thoughts positive, identifying, feeling and expressing our emotions, taking care of personal grooming, sticking to a financial budget, comforting and soothing ourselves, and much more. (I am sure that others will have more to add).

I was not taught many of these things and had to get professional help to learn the basics and although I am 53 years old, I am still learning what it means to take care of myself. Reaching out for help is one way that you have taken care of yourself today, so congratulations are in order!!!

 

[ChasingMyTail]

Relaxation, meditation, exercise and laying out in the sun when you can. :tup:

 

[desiderata310]

This really isn't a platitude?
I have no idea what it means really.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

No @desiderata310 not a platitude.

I think it's a good serious expression since taking care of yourself is so important. Like @Lionheart777 said about all the ways you can take care of yourself. On a daily bases I probably do 3 of those things and I could do more. It doesn't just benefit me but also those around me. And then for me at least not taking care of myself means I am going down to depression; A good sleep hygiene helps, taking my medication and so does personal grooming but if I am not taking care of myself or I am not even trying to then I probably wont take my medication.

Best wishes.

 

[arfie]

My daily self-care begins with a deep personal inventory of my physical and emotional state, beginning with my most trusted meter, my dog. If my dog is calm, I proceed to personal checks and balances of my clarities, aches and pains, both mind and body. My self-care addresses the pains and utilizes the clarities. If my dog is reacting to me, I begin there. Today my dog is nudging me impatiently as I type. I think I will translate that as, "Lost in cyber-space again."

Think I'll go take an inventory of our beloved watershed. Personal inventory to be resumed after our walk.

Gentle support while you define your own, purple.

 

[franciemarnie]

Be really nice to your body. That's my latest most important thing.

Last night my calves hurt sooooo much. Ached like nobody's business. Couldn't sleep. I took a sea salt bath which usually fixes it but no.

So finally in desperation, I rubbed them and talked to them like they were a little kid and told them how wonderful they were and how sorry I was they hurt.

The pain completely stopped.

Doesn't sound scientific but since science didn't even recognize PTSD until 1980, I don't really look to them to tell me what's what.

 

[desiderata310]

My best friend uses "be gentle" or "be nice to my friend". Which means (I know this because he has spelled it out to me) stop beating myself up. I seem to have trouble with that.

 

[Muzikluvr]

Only you can change your mind. Only you can assert your independence. Only you can choose a life to be proud of. Only you can make your life worth living. Only you can maintain your health. Etc...

Others can offer advice, support, assistance; but your well-being is your responsibility alone. When I say that phrase, it is in hopes that the recipient will make the choices which will enhance their health and well-being; because I value the recipient, but cannot fix or maintain them.

 

[Candleflames]

I say this to people and what I'm trying to say to them is to remember to put themselves first part of the time. Often times we forget to take care of ourselves because we're so busy taking care of others. Too often we cut back on sleep and sitting down to a nutritious meal or even letting our emotions be recognized and felt.

It's a reminder that you deserve care too. So to honor it remember you are a person with needs and you are allowed to meet those needs. It might be getting more rest, or to slow down and put yourself first, take a break, enjoy your healthy meals, and treat yourself to something nice. Once you know what your particular needs are, try to take the time to meet them first, then you can meet others needs/wants.

At least that's what I am trying to sum up with that phrase.

 

[PurpleSurvivor]

Thanks for your answers. I will work towards living by the advise given. The part about not beating myself up really hit home.

I know it's often a platitude (thanks for reminding me about that word), at least where I come from. But not this time. Normally people say something that in English would be something like "Take care of yourself until next time", but now we both knew that there wouldn't be a next time.

 

[Ladyghosthunter]

Never take responsibility for what others did to you, first of all. Acknowledge what has happened and acknowledge that you have a RIGHT to feel when to feel!!! By taking care of yourself, at least for me, I stay out of relationships with men and concentrate on my charity work and things to help other people. I have also acknowledged that what happened to me will never go away despite any and all counseling but that it's okay to feel! It's okay to have triggers! It's okay to be angry!
Overall, it's okay to feel what you feel. It's all about acknowledgement of you and your fight....