In the last bits of summer I hope you’re all finding time to relax and enjoy yourselves. Today’s self care saturday is focused on ways to take some time for yourself, because it’s critical to take time out for yourself. So here are some resources to help you get started:
Music: <3, <3, <3, <3, <3
Drinks to Help you Sleep: <3
Mindfulness Deep Breathing: <3
Do what you like, enjoy yourself
Be present in the activity
Use your hands or do something physical before moving on to stationary activities (if possible)
Let happiness in when you can
But How Long Do I Need To Relax? Self Care Weekly Challenge:
Ultimately it’s up to you, you are the only person who knows your body. However, for those of you who want help I’ve created a handy little chart! Just add up the total and see how much time you need! (I’ve written the totals out for those of you with dyscalculia). Again this is just a projection tool, not a way to play the pain olympics or devalue your experiences: your own experiences are going to vary and no one can tell you how they affect you except for you, and everyone’s level of tolerance is different. Add as you need to (If you feel drained from a social event and feel like 20 (Twenty) minutes isn’t enough, give yourself 60! (Sixty!).
Been to a social event: +20 (Twenty) minutes
With a social anxiety disorder: +60 (Sixty) additional minutes
Where I had to encounter someone I didn’t like +30 (Thirty)
Had to carry on an awkward conversation +45 (forty five)
Completed a Project: +35 (Thirty-Five) minutes
With a tight deadline +60 (sixty)
With people that stressed me out +20 (twenty)
Where I did most of the work +60 (sixty)
Presented it in front of others +45 (forty-five)
Fought with a family member: +45 (Forty-Five)
Was Misgendered which caused me dysphoria: +60(Sixty)
Which accidently outed me: +90 (Ninety)
Which put me in a dangerous situation +120 (one-hundred and twenty)
Dealt with any of the following: Homophobia, Racism, Transphobia, Identity Erasure or Sexism +60 (Sixty)
From a family member +30 (thirty)
From a trusted friend +45 (Forty Five)
From a partner +75 (Seventy-Five)
Upon coming out +90 (Ninety)
Had a setback +50 (fifty)
In treatment +90 (ninety)
In rehabilitation +90 (ninety)
Had a panic attack +90 (ninety)
That had physical symptoms +60 (sixty)
That resulted in injury +60 (sixty)
That have become chronic +60 (sixty)
That made you go home/kept you from something important +90 (ninety)
Dealt with a Traumatic event +120 (One-hundred and twenty)
Dealt with Failure +90 (ninety)
Cried for a long period of time +45 (forty-five)
Broke up with someone +60 (Sixty)
You were in a long term relationship +60 (sixty)
Who was abusive +120 (one-hundred and twenty
Experienced Crowd Anxiety +60 (sixty)
Experience Sickness or Illness +90 (Ninety)
Had fits of anger +60 (sixty)
Threw things +35 (thirty-five)
Screamed +45 (forty-five)
Broke things +120 (one-hundred and twenty
Had fits of sadness or emptiness +60 (sixty)
Couldn’t get out of bed +120 (one-hundred and twenty)
Laid still for hours +120 (one-hundred and twenty
How you spread out your time is up to you, throughout the week, over a couple of days or all in one shot. Rule of thumb for me: if they exceed 48 hours, I need at least a day off doing things just for myself
I hope this week helps you, sorry it’s so short and thin, it’s been kind of crazy in my world right now, my birthday is the 16th so I might not be around much! (Sorry about that!)
<3 Stay Safe Out There <3
