Stress management/self-care tips for these troubling times
Try to keep exercising. Even if it's just some pushups and jumping jacks when you wake up in the morning. Keep something going.
Make sure you're getting enough sleep. Everyone has a different amount of sleep they need, but if you're getting less than 7 hours a night, you probably need to be getting more.
If you can at all avoid it, don't use drugs or alcohol to *cope*. I know it can be hard, but at least try.
Stress management/self-care tips for these troubling times
That last part includes using stimulants to make up for your lack of sleep. Obviously, stimulants you've been prescribed are okay, but try not to rely on caffeine to replace sleep.
If you have a support system you can talk to, use it. If you don't, I can't really offer advice on getting one, but you should do your best to do so. If all else fails, there are plenty of people on the fediverse willing to help and support you, including me.
Stress management/self-care tips for these troubling times
Try not to be too hard on yourself. A large chunk of the world is being hard enough on you. Don't give yourself extra negativity to shoulder. I know it can be hard, but try to look at your good side. Though you may not believe it, you have one. The world may be a bad place, but you aren't a bad person in it. Try to believe that.
Try to do something at least once a week that's just for you, even if it's just taking a walk in the park.
Stress management/self-care tips for these troubling times
Recognize your limits. Sometimes, you need to push limits to improve yourself. Other times, you need to back off from a limit to avoid harm. If you're getting too close to reaching a limit, don't be afraid to do what it takes to back away from it.
Try to relax. You won't be thinking as clearly if you're constantly tense. Relax so your brain can work better to figure out what's next. Take a hot bath, or a stroll. Get a hobby you enjoy.
Stress management/self-care tips for these troubling times
Something else that may help you is journaling. You might grab a spare spiral notebook, or just create a folder on your desktop or in your documents, where you can just write down thoughts. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. It can literally just be a text file where you ramble on about whatever's on your mind. That's okay, as long as it helps you.
Stress management/self-care tips for these troubling times
And remember:
You can't help others until you care for yourself. If you're burned out and worn thin, how are you supposed to help anyone else? It's okay to take some time to focus on caring for yourself. It's necessary, even.
And remember, through this all, I still love you and I want you to be well. Things may look grim, but we can get through this, one step at a time.
Love,
Kat 💗
Stress management/self-care tips for these troubling times
P.S. And, yes, of course we need to dismantle all these oppressive systems. But you can't do that if you're stressed out, burned out, worn out. You can't fight if you're in bad shape. You'll get knocked out the moment the fight starts. You need to keep yourself in shape if you want to have any chance of getting through this, much less winning. So keep yourself well taken care of, so you can better care for others.
Self-care tips for these troubling times
P.P.S. I also left out some of the obvious self-care tips. Make sure you're eating well, drinking enough water, are taking your meds and taking them *consistently*. The absolute basics. *Definitely* make sure you're doing those.
