My four favourite self care methods for managing distress

In my experience a lot of self care tips seem to focus on looking after ourselves when we have energy, time, or we feel well enough to care. 

Sometimes the tips can include these big ideas, that when you’re struggling to get out of bed in the morning can seem impossible. And so, I used to give up and start to believe that self care wasn’t for people like me. 

Which is silly, because you know when else we need self care? When we feel bad. When we’re in distress. When we’re struggling to care anymore. 

Personally I have four main self care methods that I find work for me when I’m heading into distress or am already in distress. But I know that there are many, many more so please let me know any tips that you personally use in the comments as well. 

One. Creating an emergency self care box

Sometimes when I’m distressed I find that it can be difficult to think and decide how I should help myself, and so in the past I’ve fallen into behaviours that seemed to help in the moment but actually ended up causing issues for myself down the line. 

So now, I’ve created an emergency self care box for myself. 

In short – it’s a box full of things that I find are able to distract me from the distressing thoughts and behaviours slightly. My box is full of things such as half finished crafting projects, my favourite snacks, a blanket scented with my favourite smell, my all time favourite books. Then I simply keep this box close in an easy to access place (mine is under my bed!) and I just pull it out whenever I need it. 

But of course, you can fill yours with whatever you want and also keep it wherever!   

Two. Writing in a gratitude journal

Does anyone else have problems with realising that a bad five minutes doesn’t make a bad day? Or a bad week? etc. 

If you do, then a gratitude journal might help! I’ve started to keep one and I find it so so sooo helpful. Every couple of days I schedule time to sit down by myself, and I write down everything that I’ve been grateful for – such as being awake early enough to watch the sunrise, wearing my favourite top, making my favourite tea etc. 

You can write in it daily, every couple of days, weekly, or even monthly – whatever works for you!

And I find it such a lovely way to start to realise that not everything is bad in the world. 

Three. Setting a self care challenge

In my journal I also like to set myself a self care challenge. Personally, I set mine for a month at a time, and for each day of the month I pick an activity that I would like to get done. 

Some of them are activities that I enjoy (reading, watching the sunrise etc.), others are things I’d like to try (like trying to learn a new skill – like a language!), and others are boring self care (like cleaning my bedroom, and making sure everything is put away).

And not only do I get some great satisfaction from slowly ticking off my lists, but I also get some amazing self care in! 

Plus, as you’re the one setting the challenge (rather than simply picking one off Pinterest) you can really tailor it for yourself, and how much time you have to give etc.

Four. Practising self care on social media

Social media can really stress me out! And you know what? I didn’t even realise just how much it actually stressed me out until the other month! 

Now every month I practise a little bit of self care on it – I unfollow/unfriend anything or anyone that upsets me, makes me feel worried or makes me feel like I’m not good enough. Because I don’t deserve to be upset or worried, and I am enough already. 

But what about you? What do you find works for you? I’d love to learn some more ideas for myself. 

ps. I am not a mental health or medical professional. Please do not use my blog instead of these services, and do reach out to your GP/doctor if you’d like support.

Remember that there are also organisations such as Samaritans (116 123) if you are also UK based and would like someone to listen.

And photo by Ava Sol on Unsplash.