I thought I'd mention something that came to me a few depressions ago because someone might be able to use it. Maybe other folks can suggest other "kindnesses."
When my house is a total mess and the laundry and dishes are piled up and I am in bed for days ... I make believe that someone (me) is sick in bed, and that I am just a friend lending a little hand.
So whenever I get up (drink, bathroom, etc.) I just pick up one thing and put it where it belongs. If I pass laundry, I'll pick up one thing and put it in the hamper. Or if I go to get a drink, I'll wash one dish and put it away. Or if I have any energy, I'll sort the laundry (not do it - hey, I'm just helping out here). Maybe later, I'll do one load (smallest one!).
Anyway, when I start feeling better, things don't look quite as horrible, and I feel like a friend popped in to help out. Because it made me feel good and "cared for," I started doing this when I was feeling good. Now, I'll do teeny parts of a job whenever I feel like it, so when I actually get down to doing the whole job, it's not quite as bad.
It makes me feel like I did something nice for myself instead of sabotaging myself as I usually do. Sometimes I can actually do a lot of little things to help myself out. But doing this really does give me good feelings toward myself when I actually get down to doing the "real" job. I sort of remember and "thank" myself for the break.
Anyone else have any nice little things you do for yourself when you are down? If you have other "kindnesses," please share them on our forum, where Esther originally posted this:
Forum: Reply to Esther's post.
