The last month has been extremely busy and a bit overwhelming. Work has been very busy and school has been nonstop with due dates. Add in fighting back against my relapse and I’ve barely had time to think, let alone write. But I’ve managed to make it all happen.
I’m still seeing a therapist weekly to manage the stress, monitor meal logs, and distorted thinking. She recommended an app called “thought diary” to log my emotions and distorted thoughts. I feel like my depression has gotten so much better since a change in meds and adding in therapy. Anxiety still has some room to improve, but that will come.
My body image is more neutral than bad, which is an improvement. I’m trying really hard to be proud of the food choices I’m making to nourish my body and be grateful for all my body does for me. It’s not easy, but I am trying my best. Some days I will feel confident in my skin and the next day I don’t want to be seen by the public. I recently cut my hair from very long to very short. I’ve had short hair in the past, but this time around I’m really struggling with it. No matter what I do, I feel like I look like Dora the Explorer. The insecurity causes full on anxiety attacks where I feel so hopeless. I have to stop myself, remind myself to take deep breaths and remember that hair will grow, so every day it will get better.
One of the things my therapist has challenged me to do is be more intentional in planning self care throughout the week. I started out taking the dog for a walk, doing a short yoga video, doing a face mask, etc. But this week I’m really struggling with it. The last few weeks have been so busy and stressful, that when I have evenings more available this week I just don’t want to do anything! So, tomorrow I will end my night with a face mask. Friday, I will do a yoga video and guided meditation. It may not be a lot, but it’s more than not doing anything.
I’m always looking for new self care suggestions. Feel free to leave in the comments your favorite self care!
<3 Stay Strong and Beautiful