be kind to yourself

[madeofstars]

so I was thinking, we're all so so hard on ourselves. and i am implementing a new Plan tomorrow to break the binge cycle and get myself eating regularly and "normally" (I know, 800 cals a day isnt healthy or normal, but it's a safe starting point for me)

i was reading my self help book and it said you need to come up with a list of things to do when you need distracting from your ED. eg. when you get the urge to binge, or feel guilty for having eaten a meal, or feel the need to go run 37938478327823 miles even though it's pissing it down outside. but these things need to be nice, gentle, kind, fun things. not chores, not punishments. im absolutely crappy at being nice to myself. so i thought it might be a good idea to get a list of suggestions etc going on this thread and then i can copy them into my recovery journal and use them when things get tough.

here's my little list so far:
1. play with kitten
2. have a long, indulgent bath/shower
3. send an email/facebook message to a friend
4. get into bed with a good book
5. go and sit outside with a good book
6. treat myself to a trashy magazine
7. go to the library and browse
8. go to town and window shop
9. write in my recovery journal- quotes, songs, nice things people have said about me- read it all back too.
10. look at old photos and remember good times

anyone else got any good suggestions?

[JEANNE]

another great idea for a thread, Steph!

1. List your good qualities (a little along the lines of your #9)
2. Get out in nature (walk, go to the park, go to the lake, take a relaxing hike, watch the sunset or rise)
3. Clean your apartment or clean out your car, take your car through the car wash
4. Scrapbook
5. Re-read a good book
6. Zone out to tunes on your ipod
7. Offer to go babysit someone's kids
8. Keep and / or start a joy journal- look for the little things everyday that make you smile or chuckle or feel good to be alive
9. Go to a travel agency and pick up travel brochures, plan your next escape (even if it is just fantasy!)
10. Decide that you deserve to have your dream, fantasy trip come to reality and PLAN your escape!

[perfect_disguise]

such a good idea.

okay i have a couple

- do your hair and make-up (if you wear make-up, i only do occasionally), because you're beautiful :)
- take pictures of yourself, really nice ones you can look at when you're feeling down and be like wow i'm pretty
- call one of your friends randomly to go on a walk with you or just hang out
- watch a cool movie or a documentary about something random you want to know more about
- stretching or yoga
- leisurely bike rides
- and yes, listen to amazing music.