Dear All,
Thought that I’d start a new thread on the topic of looking after ourselves. As women we seem very good at looking after everyone else!! But when it comes to ourselves, we criticize ourselves, are hard on ourselves and often don’t look after ourselves!
Having had a breast cancer diagnosis means that we HAVE to change our behaviour and re-evaluate our lives. I think it is also about giving ourselves permission to nurture and love ourselves.
A friend gave me the following list about 2 years ago and I’ve found it really useful. Read through them and perhaps start by doing just one thing that you can do for yourself and then if it feels useful and makes you feel better/relieves symptoms for a little while then choose another. But also keep telling yourself that it’s okay to give yourself these things!!
SOOTHE FEELINGS
allow feelings, cry when you need to
Think about why I feel this way
write in a journal, write poetry
play music
finish a job, fix something
RELIEVE PHYSICAL TENSION
exercise
go for a walk
do Tai Chi or yoga
dance, swim
listen to relaxation tapes
bathe
MIND
say nice things to yourself
do a thought record
put things in perspective
draw mood pictures, anger,sadness…
have a good laugh
SPIRIT
connect with nature
connect with animals
work in the garden
share with others
talk to a help line
pray to a higher power
hand over control…
PLAN FOR FUTURE
learn to accept my limitations
learn to appreciate my strengths
learn to avoid being agitated or drained by:
certain situations
certain people, certain activities
learn to set boundaries
plan to improve:
work situation
Relationships
Alone time
If anyone else wants to add anything that has helped, please do!!
Hope you may find some of this useful and I encourage you all to give yourself permission to spoil yourself!!!
Best wishes to all
Leadie