Are you needing some ideas on how to nurture yourself and work on feeling better? Here’s a list that might help. Note, yes, some letters have more than one suggestion as they are too good to not include…
A Alone time – regularly spend some time on your own (Tip for newbies, it may take a little while to get used to…)
B Boundaries – create and guard your boundaries. Say no (when you want/need to but are inclined to say yes…)and don’t justify it
Bubble therapy – get some kids bubble blowing stuff and get blowing
C Chocolate – OK I may be biased, but chocolate always makes me feel better!!
Community – If you have the time and can make the commitment, get involved in a community group that interests you. Giving and connecting with like minded folks is a great way to feel good
Creativity – let your creativity flow, there are ways that all of us express our creativity
D Deeds – do good deeds for others, even anonymously
E Exercise – get your body moving, even gently will make a difference done regularly
F Films – watch a film that leaves you feeling good and uplifts you
Food – be mindful of eating in ways that nurture your physical self (but don’t feel too guilty about indulging in comfort food every now and then)
G Gardening – gets your hands dirty and growing things or weeding
Gratitude – have a practice of regularly expressing authentic gratitude for the blessings in your life – no matter how small or big
H H2O – make sure you are drinking lots and lots of clean water
Hobbies – Are you a collector? Are you a reader? Do you do something adventurous? Do you play competitive chess? There are a whole host of hobbies and interests that don’t just pass the time, but can build skills and give you some time out.
I Intimacy – spend time being truly and deeply intimate with someone who you trust completely. And remember intimacy does not have to equal sex
J Jiggle – get your body moving, dance, shimmy, jiggle, whatever floats your boat, just get moving
Journalling – get the crazy monkey mind thoughts and emotions out of your head and down on to paper (especially beneficial if you are feeling overwhelmed)
K Kindness – treat yourself with the same kindness that you do for the most precious person in your world
L Laughter – There’s a reason for the saying laughter is the best medicine. That’s because it releases the feel good endorphins through your body. Find something to get you laughing.
M Massage – indulge your physical self in a relaxing massage
Meditate – Spend time meditating on a regular basis
Music – they say music calms the savage beast, it can also make you feel really good
N Nature – as much as you possibly can, spend some time being in nature.
O Oxygen – breathe deeply and really fill your lungs with oxygen. If you’re stressed, take five long and slow deep breaths, each to the count of five
P Pet – spend time with a pet, borrow a friend’s if you don’t have one. Pet therapy is a recognised therapeutic modality
Q Queen/King – treat yourself like a Queen/King and indulge in some things that make you feel really special
R Read – make time to read on a regular basis, particularly books that inspire you
S Sex – get your jiggy on and go for it
Sport – More than just exercise, this could be a team or individual based sport
Stillness – make time to just stop and be (This is easier said than done at first…)
T Tribe – spend some time talking/being with your tribe, your inner circle, the people who get you, who love you and who support you totally
U Underwear – for me, I always feel a bit special if I am wearing matching underwear. Wear them and other special clothes frequently, don’t just save them for a special occasion.
V Visualise – spend some time visualising what you want to create in your life and feel the feelings as if it has already materialised…then take inspired action
W Wins – make a list of all the wins in your life, especially the ones that really took effort for you to achieve…and then celebrate!!
X X – The Unknown Quantity…what is self care for you or leaves you feeling good?
Y You – You matter, yes, you really do!! Make yourself a priority.
Z Zzzzzzzzzz – Work on creating a consistent sleeping pattern as much as possible
What have I missed? What do you do for self-care or to help you feel better? Let me know.
Self care is an essential part of strengthening your resilience and a topic we cover in my Resilience Training.
Peace & blessings, Sharon