Self-Care In Challenging Times

A lot of friends and clients are asking about self-care. We seem to be at an unusually challenging time in history, and I've been seeing an awful lot of stress lately, so I thought I'd re-post this article I wrote about self-care, from a few months ago. (Originally published June 1017, slightly edited here.) Feel free to leave your own tips for self-care in the comments.

We're in the midst of one of the most tumultuous years the US has seen in decades, if ever. There’s some crazy stuff happening, and not just in politics and the headlines. People are being fat-shamed. Powerful women are not being taken seriously. Trans people are getting mugged and worse. Racism is on the rise. My friends with disabilities report an increase in verbal or physical attacks against them. Some say we're in the middle of three concurrent epidemics (opioids, guns, and PTSD / fear). Many people are hurting, not just for themselves, but for their friends and families, their community, their country, and the planet. If you feel overwhelmed, you’re certainly not alone.

What’s the solution? Obviously showing support, sticking up for each other, and activism and social justice. But beyond that, just as important, is self-care. What can you do for yourself on a daily basis? Here are some suggestions:

• Ask for help.
• Take more walks.
• Spend 4 hours a week in nature (even a city park!).
• Get off the computer and spend time with friends.
• Challenge yourself with a group activity, maybe something new: yoga, dance, games, crafts.
• Get creative: draw, write, cook, sing, play.
• Start a journal – write every day.
• Call a friend from away.
• Lower your drug and alcohol intake – even just temporarily.
• Drink more water – dehydration affects your mood and your physical well-being.
• Challenge yourself to eat at least 4 healthy home-cooked meals a week.
• Take a nice long bath.
• Go dancing.
• Stretch every day. Gentle simple stretches remind you of your body.
• Masturbate.
• Ask for hugs from friends.
• Rub your body. Massage your feet, your shoulders, your arms and legs.
• Get backrubs.
• Get a massage or several.
• Put down the computer and read a good book instead.
• Tell yourself you’re doing just fine.
• Hug yourself.
• Love yourself.