A THERAPIST'S TAKE ON SELF CARE

Suggestions for clients are ALWAYS individual. Meaning, they are tailored to you. There's no 'prescription' I write for everyone. However, there is one topic that I do, without a doubt, recommend to every single person. Even friends/family/people I meet on the street #preach.

This topic is, you've guessed it, self care. This is an OT's favourite area to dive into.

Any activity that you do voluntarily which helps you maintain your physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual health and well-being is self care. Self care allows us to soothe, regulate emotions, reduce stress, and connect deeper with ourselves.

I'll also note that not everything that feels enjoyable or provides relief is self care. We can all be tempted to use coping mechanisms such as substances, alcohol, over-eating, and risk-taking to feel better. These activities can be self destructive, and only provide temporary relief. When practiced consciously, self care has long term benefit for the entirety of you.

A common analogy for self care is that of a cup or a glass. Have you ever heard someone say something along the lines of 'You can't pour from an empty glass!' Activities such as the ones listed to the left will help you to 'Fill up your cup' and be well on your way to having self care as a well integrated part of your life.

Thanks for following along!

Until next time,

Rhaya Lynn

#selfcare #mentalhealth #physicalhealth #spiritualhealth #addictions #occupationaltherapy