Coping Toolbox ( what is in yours to help you cope )

@Shaz51 Suggested anything that brings me calm and joy so made the trip to the beach to float on Monday before this rain sets in again. Also have a workshop on Saturday involving meditation, sound healing and breath work and connecting with others. Have become far too introverted over these past years and that has to change, just a little as I do enjoy my solitude. This workshop is something I’ve not done before and appealed to me so booked my spot. A day just for me.

Hello @Paula2

This is the thread that @Faith-and-Hope was talking about

Hi @Shaz51 & everyone!

You have been in my thoughts @Shaz51 💕💕

I have been thinking last few days about mindful self care. My first thoughts are things like treating myself to purchases, gifts or food! I don't think these are great, for my health or wallet.

I'm finding it difficult to think of things. I have my crochet, & crafts that I really enjoy. I am not great at exercise, I'm getting better. I like to escape through tv.

I also find positive affirmations very helpful. I guess what I'm trying to do, is actively be more aware - or mindful🧠- of incorporating calm in my day.

😊 Take care everyone.

Thank you for your lovely message @maddison ❤❤

Had a crazy weekend and a crazy week this week

How are you my awesome friend xxx

Things sounds like they have been intense @Shaz51 . Hope you are looking after No.1.

Things for me have been quiet - a little crazy - normal crazy tho!

Xo 💜💙💚🙂

Hugs @maddison 1❤❤

Next week will be better after furneals, wedding, kids staying here this week

Next week it will be all over and will miss all my kids

Sounds very busy @Shaz51 💪💪

Sending you strength & calm for the week xxoo 🧚‍♀️💜♥️💙

Hi - Sorry about how long this is - but for myself I kept adding things as I remembered them on my google docs @ coping tools

So here they are - I hope you can benefit from one or two

Things That help with mood and to cope with overload

Things I know will help my mood and stress levels - without chemical influence

Must muster up all my coping strategies

Walks

Out for coffee

Sitting by moving water - Lakes and rivers and oceans listening to and watching the waves and the water lapping.

Buy a new book. - Helps with learning and recreation

Rest well.

Don't overdo it

Don't overlook down time.

Turn the phone off more often… often.

You don't need to be available to everyone all the time.

Stop putting out everyone else's fires.

Don't pack too much into each day and don't expect you can.

Don't beat yourself up when you don't get everything on the list done.

Don't schedule the whole week.

Give yourself a few days break every now and then.

Listen to music through speakers. - Play it loud and dance around a bit.

Ignore what others might think of your dancing.

Laugh often. Laugh more

Don't have a late night.

Be with understanding friends.

Avoid those who can't understand.

Appreciate family - they Are on your side. They never ask more of you than you can comfortably give.

Accept new challenges.

Try something new.

Learn something new.

Give things a try, don't live in fear of failing.

Remember wind down time each night.

Don't stay out or up too long.

Equally, don't stay in bed too late. You won't benefit from it.

You are better than you think- …Keep going

Even if you feel flat. Get up and move about. Just take it slow, and don't listen to the negative talk. You will wake up and your mood will improve.

This dark mood will pass.

Play some cards.

Write down your thoughts and feelings

Write down important appointments and things to remember.

Avoid alcohol.

Seek light - get some sunshine and fresh air - even if you don't feel like it.

Watch a comedy- movie or series.

Don't get stuck in your own head.

How can you improve on someone else's day?

Don't isolate yourself.

Go to the shops.

Research something you'd like to do or are saving for.

Dream a little

Keep up your spiritual routines

Phone an understanding friend.

Plan a date or outing.

Celebrate an anniversary- planning it can be as much fun as celebrating it.

Write a love note.

Write a blog. And publish it.

Get a haircut.

Shave…. Regularly

Keep a journal- it will remind you of all your great progress and your good achievements and improvements.

Feeling flat doesn't mean you're slipping back. Don't instantly reach for drugs. You will improve if you take care of yourself.

Remember to relax and avoid busy and noisy places.

Fast paced activities and tv shows will need to be followed by some slow time to unwind.

Keep taking your medication and vitamins.

Eat well.

Don't load up on sugary foods - it won't really help.

If you're having a down day, don't beat yourself up. Be kind to yourself and keep things on the down low today.

You will surprise yourself and do things you never thought you would today.

😁Pablo

@Coping tools

Hello @SJT63 , @Krishna , @Pablo66 , @maddison , @LizzieLou , @Boo13

How are you going , checking in to see if you are OK xxx

Hey @Shaz51 really struggling with my anxiety of late and just can’t seem to get a grip on things. Accessing my toolbox regularly but nothing seems to be working. Being dangled like a puppet regarding a visit with my girl as she keeps changing her mind and putting me off. A little more phone communication these days but only very brief and only when it suits her. I’m trying to step back from it all but plays on my mind constantly and just can’t seem to focus on much else. Winter has been so cold this year and I’m really missing my swims at the beach. Drove to the coast today but was blowing a gale so just sat and gazed at the ocean for awhile. Home again now and trying to relax on the lounge once again. I don’t know darling, I just hope this mood shifts soon.