justexecutivedysfunctionthings:

Self care is whatever keeps you alive. This can mean different things to different people at different stages in their lives, because of different needs and priorities either short or long term.

Paying your bills and budgeting keeps you alive. Buying groceries keeps you alive. Eating healthy food keeps you alive. Exercising keeps you alive. Proper sleep hygiene keeps you alive. All of these are true.

Being kind to yourself keeps you alive. Listening to your favorite music keeps you alive. Staying in bed when you’re exhausted keeps you alive. Watching netflix all day when you’re exhausted instead of doing chores or hygiene keeps you alive. All of these are true, too.

They’re not mutually exclusive. All of these are important, but when you are disabled you often do not have the energy or brainpower to do all of them. Some days you need to triage one task for the sake of another. And that’s your business and your business alone – no one else can see the inside of your head, only you know what is best for yourself and what you most need, in any given moment, to stay alive.

You have a right to make those decisions for yourself without being shamed. You have a right to live your life at your own pace, on your own terms, to the extent of your energy and abilities. All you can do is your best, and some days that will look different from others, and that’s okay, it’s not a static thing. Do what you need to do, one day at a time, to take care of yourself how you best see fit.

You don’t deserve to feel shame for struggling. You are valid. You are doing your best. You deserve to have your right to autonomy and your choices respected.

colourofmagick:

This is great for in the shower. Starting with your head (e.g., when washing your hair) and moving down to your feet, focus on each area, identifying the troubles, stresses and pains you hold there. Think about each one and then say the corresponding verse, washing them down with the water and soap until they can be washed away.

In my head I hold onto thoughts,
I worry, stress and fret.
I wash these troubles down.

In my throat, I said those words,
They cannot be unsaid.
I wash these troubles down.

In my heart, I cling to fears,
For family, friends, myself.
I wash these troubles down.

In my back, my burdens weigh,
Heavier every day.
I wash these troubles down.

In my stomach, my cravings rest,
Fueling habit and addiction.
I wash these troubles down.

In my legs, I walked the world,
Carrying my troubles through,
I wash these troubles down.

My feet took me down this path,
Leading me to pain.
Now my troubles return to them,
I wash my troubles away.

My arms and hands, my troubles washed,
To them some can remain.
To start each day without the last,
I wash them all away.

This can start the day, leaving everything from yesterday behind, along with anything you pick up in your sleep, or it can end the day to allow for a peaceful, restful sleep.