Self Care Ideas to Cheer You Up and Help with Self-Love

Hello everyone, my name is Alexis and I've recently been feeling pretty down, but I've noticed that doing self-care has been really helpful for me, so I wanted to share some things that help me to feel better and love myself more:

*in parentheses are variations on the things I do if you don't have the option of doing that exact thing, or you don't find that helpful*

- cuddle with my mouse and let him love me and cheer me up (you could cuddle with your pet or a stuffed animal or loved blanket or something)

- write a list of things I'm grateful for until I realize I've got a pretty good life and start feeling better

- take a shower (or a bath)

- play a game or two on my DSi (do a little gaming on a device that works for you)

- make some jewelry (do a craft that makes you feel calm. Sometimes doing something repetative like making a paper chain can be calming)

- meditate (focus on your breath or a certain object for a set amount of time and try to focus your mind. You do a guided meditation from 7Cups found here: https://www.7cups.com/exercises/mindfulness/?showlist=1)

- go rock climbing or do some excercise (stretch, do some yoga, go for a run, do a sport, even just bounce a ball off the wall if that's all you're up to)

- dress myself up (makeup, nice clothes, jewelry, etc.) (feel free to dress up in a less feminine presenting way as well. That's simply what I prefer but I realize there are lots of non-binary people and boys here, so dress up howeve you feel most comfortable)

- clean my room really well (deep clean an area and then feel satisfied at it being perfectly clean)

- hang out with my family (play with a sibling, talk to a parent, even just sit in a shared living area if that makes you feel more connected to those you live with)

- read a good book (or listen to an audiobook or podcast for more audio-focused people)

- listen to music I love and have a concert by myself (really rock out to the music; sing aloud and dance if you feel comfortable. Just get it all out!)

Obviously these will not work for everyone, but hopefully these can provide some ideas for those who want to do some self-care but don't know where to start. Please feel free to post in this thread if you have other things you do for self-care.

*A message for anyone who needs it: You are beautiful, you are loved, you are valued, you are talented, and you are perfect just the way you are. No matter how hard life is or how messed up you feel like your life is, I want you to know that I'm SO proud of you for getting this far and never giving up. You're so freaking brave and strong, even if you can't recognize it. All the listeners on this website are always here for you and we LOVE you!

Feel better soon, you strong, beautiful (or handsome or androgenous) person. Remember: You are loved <3