#lahselfcarebday25

[lovealexhunt]

Day Seven:

In the fast paced world we live in, it's easy to feel like we need to do everything all the time and all on our own. We think we should be able to handle every challenge that comes our way and that asking for help makes us weak or incapable. But the truth is, you don't have to face the challenges on your own.

Asking for help doesn't make you a burden. (I know, that sounds fake, but I promise it's true.) This is definitely something that I personally struggle with, so if you do too, I get it. You're not alone. I would happily help anyone who asked me without question (as I'm sure you would)... though when I feel down or am facing a challenge and want to reach out, I stop. I shoulder it alone because I fear being a burden or "too needy" (sound familiar?). However, I would never think that of someone else and those who support you won't either. Letting yourself accept help ties in with accepting love and kindness from those who love you.

Take a moment today to remind yourself you are not alone. You have those who love and support you and it's okay to lean on them. You are valued. You are loved. You are not alone. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Those who love you, will always be there.

[lovealexhunt]

As many of you know, I've struggled with anxiety and depression since middle school. There are many days, situations, and triggers that I know can worsen my mental health. One of these things is my birthday. For years, I struggled in silence—feeling guilty and questioning why I couldn't just be happy or grateful for what I had. But these past few years I've tried to be proactive about it. The days leading up to my birthday I try to have a self care plan and things to guide me through the week. I organize this self-care birthday week to help me, and encourage anyone else to join in.

Birthday depression affects many people who struggle with mental health. It is a feeling of sadness, anxiety, or depression that can arise around one's birthday. It can be triggered by reflecting on getting another year older, missing personal milestones, or past negative experiences associated with the day.

It is not: -feeling ungrateful for what you have or the people around you -being unappreciative -something you can "snap" out of -something you can just look on the bright side of

It is: -feeling drained of energy, feeling numb, and feeling desensitized -feeling guilty or ashamed for not feeling joy -the awareness that another year has passed while goals and milestones remain unachieved. -feeling upset you can't be the person everyone expects of you on your birthday -feeling unsure of the future or feeling lost

[lovealexhunt]

Day Five:

Perfection is an impossible standard to reach for. So many things in our lives, make us feel like we have to strive for perfection because they point out our flaws and weaknesses, so we feel undeserving. Or we feel like whenever we make mistakes we're a failure because something went wrong. But that's not true.

Mistakes don't define you! Mistakes help us learn and grow. Mistakes are a part of being human and that is such a beautiful thing! You don't have to be perfect to be valued or appreciated. You just have to be you.

Take a moment today to remember that mistakes are a normal. Today, instead of thinking about what went wrong, think about what went right. Think about moments where you learned or had the opportunity to grow. Be kind to yourself the way you'd be kind to a friend or loved one.

You are wonderful and doing better than you think!