Relief For Desperate Times (Part Two)

This is Part Two of my First Aid Kit that I use in desperate times, when I’m feeling low and everything around me looks dark. (You can find Part One here)

We all have our rock bottom moments. Periods when life seems dull and difficult, and we need to take a break from everyday activity.

If you’re like me and experience extreme mood swings, the lows can sometimes feel insurmountable. A time to administer extra dollops of self-care and compassion. This is when I use these tools to help me re-balance and return to more of an even keel.

As there are 25 tools, I’ve spread them out over three separate, consecutive blogs.

My suggestion is that you use some of them when you’re in a dark pit and see how effective they are for you. Take what works and leave the rest. This way you can compile your own First Aid tool kit.

I know they work for me, which is the best recommendation I can give.

8. MAKE A PAINTING

There are times when I simply cannot continue with my usual activities. Feel ‘less than’, inept and useless. Accepting this is where I’m at is the first step in taking care of myself, so that I don’t have the burden of expectations. Usually, I need  something to distract me that does not require concentrated mental energy.

At such times, using my water-soluble pastels, I often paint, creating abstract blocks of bright colours. This transports me into a calmer emotional state, as I don’t give a great deal of thought to what I’m doing. I love making abstract shapes on paper and colouring them in. A thoroughly absorbing pursuit. My attitude shifts and I become ready to face another day.

One of my paintings is the image for today’s blog. 

Try it for yourself when you’re feeling low. For several hours, your mind becomes settled on the activity of creating a painting, which can be very soothing. As long as you’re not obsessing about the end result.  

9. READ A MORNING REFLECTION

Read from any ‘Daily Enlightenment’, or Meditation book for today’s date or just open the book at any page, whether it makes sense or not. There’ll be a message in there somewhere.

10. WHAT DO YOU NEED RIGHT NOW?

Ask yourself the question: ‘What do I need right now to take care of myself?’ If you reply: ‘I don’t know’,

then say: ‘And if you did know, what would the reply be?’

This way, some kind of answer usually comes with suggestions that you can use to create some respite.

11. RELAX YOUR BODY       

Do a breathing meditation, taking several deep breaths slowly, counting your breaths in and out, as a reminder that you can find ways to nurture yourself. If it helps, say the word ‘RELAX’ on each out breath.

12. DANCE WILDLY  

Dance to your favourite upbeat music. Close your eyes and let rip to the rhythm.

You can be as wild as you like. No one is watching. 

13. TALK SOFTLY TO YOURSELF

When you’re low or anxious, reassure yourself with some gentle self-talk. Use encouraging words such as: 

·               I am not to blame. This is not my fault.

·               I don’t need to panic.

·               I can find a way through this.

·               I’m capable of taking care of myself.

·               I am coping.

·               This too shall pass.

14. SIMPLY OBSERVE OBJECTS AROUND YOU         

 Look around the room slowly and describe what you see out loud, or make a

 written list. Then describe what the objects look like. Doing this exercise calms the mind and brings you back from your ruminations to the present moment.

15. SEEK SOME SUPPORT

Talk, text, or email someone that you trust. It’s OK to be sad and uncertain. Tell them you’re struggling and need some support. Be honest. Ask them just to listen, unless you want some advice. If so, ask for it.

16. THESE CAN BE MEDICINE

Give yourself permission to:

·       Have a piece of cake.

·       Have a pyjama day.

·       Snuggle up in a blanket and watch some films.

·       Snuggle up in a blanket and read a book.

·       Snuggle up in a blanket and listen to some uplifting music.

Taking some necessary time out can be a blessing and help create a calmer mental state.

17. REST     

Take a nap. It’s ok to go to bed for a while. Getting some sleep can be refreshing and create some distance from the anxiety.

I hope you’ve found some of these useful. They’ve certainly helped me find welcome relief in desperate times.

 Part Three, the final set of my First Aid tools will appear in my next blog in a week’s time.