This is as much a reminder to myself as it is an offering of advice for those who are where I am – stuck in the hell of writer’s block. In my instance, I get writer’s block for one of two reasons. I’m trying to put characters into situations they’d never be in. I’m stressed… Read More Writing Wednesday: Beating Writer’s Block
I’ve had a frustrating realization, and I decided to share it with everyone here. My reason for it isn’t to garner sympathy, but to show how I use the skills I write about. This post may be long, and I’ll put a TRIGGER WARNING here that I’m going to be discussing the ways depression and… Read More Freeform Friday: My battle with depression
Being able to defuse stress in your muscles is a great way to self-soothe. Even though we’re not able to reach every part of our bodies, there are ways we can use self-massage to reduce tension. Some of the benefits of this practice include renewed energy, better sleep, and even fewer headaches.
I don’t think I know of anyone who doesn’t have a hobby, however neglected it may be. Hobbies are so varied, and we have to admit we enjoy them or they wouldn’t catch our interest the way they do, right? But when life gets busy, they’re often the first thing to go. It’s too bad… Read More Self-Care Saturday: Enjoy a Hobby
In most households, if we cut ourselves, we have a first aid kit. We clean the cut, perhaps use an antibiotic ointment, and put on a bandaid. If we find a loose nail we can go to the tool kit and get a hammer. Even for those who enjoy wearing makeup or styling their hair,… Read More Soothing Sunday: Make a kit
I had a very rough weekend. I’m going to talk about it for two reasons. One, it may help someone to know how I handle the really huge anxiety attacks. Two, I often feel like a fake, writing about how to handle anxiety, depression, and PTSD when I still struggle so hard with them. Yes,… Read More Top Skills Thursday: Triggered and Fighting
I’m sure many reading this are like me, fully isolated, or close to it, and living alone. It creates the perfect environment for touch deprivation to set in. Touch deprivation is a real issue because physical contact with others relieves stress, releases hormones that improve mood, creates bonding experiences, and so much more. Humans need… Read More Soothing Sunday: Touch Deprivation and Isolation
Sometimes we need a soothing break when there simply is no time for it. We’re in the middle of a meeting, surrounded by children, or otherwise unable to step away and take a minute. There are ways to self-soothe even in those busy moments, and they only take a few seconds.
Distress tolerance is the third module in DBT therapy. This section is exactly what it sounds like; how to handle those overwhelming moments.
Being in isolation/quarantine is trying. There is so much happening right now, and it’s just overwhelming sometimes. Taking care of yourself right now is absolutely critical. If self-care isn’t a priority for you, it needs to be. Why?
Kambry Ellis 