A little self-care from Baa Stool

Time for Ewe

It’s been a tough 18 months and many of us are experincing varying levels of stress, anxiety and general unease.  I know I’m very up and down and many people I speak to are still feeling vulnerable, even as we appear to be turning the corner.

I have battled with anxiety and panic attacks for many years.  It started at University and has reared its ugly head during stressful times ever since.  At it’s mildest I’m sensitive, impatient and emotional.  At it’s worst I have really distressing repetative catastrophic thoughts which jump into my head when I’m vulnerable and shock and upset me.

The tools below from the NHS are so valuable but I recognise that if I’m in a stress spiral it’s difficult to find the motivation to help myself.  My tip would be to choose one thing, perhaps the easiest for you, and implement it as much as you can.  You may then start to feel strong enough to add another tool.

10 Tools

1. Exercise when you can; it helps us to clear our minds and feel better
2. Don’t ignore problems; try to take control of situations and find solutions if you can
3. Connect with people – even if it’s on the phone or online via Skype or Zoom
4. Make time for relaxation and self-care; everyone needs some ‘me time’
5. Set yourself a new goal – perhaps you want to learn a language online or try cooking a new recipe or take up a hobby/craft
6. Try not to drink too much alcohol or smoke too many cigarettes to ease your stress and anxiety; be as healthy as you can
7. Think about what you can do to help others as this will take the focus off yourself – even if it’s phoning a friend to see how they’re coping or checking on an elderly neighbour
8. Learn to prioritise tasks so that things don’t build up and get on top of you; make a list of the things you need to do
9. At the end of each day, write down three things that you’re grateful for – even if they’re small things like a pretty sunset or a friendly smile
10. Of course, some things we just can’t control, so we need to recognise this; only worry about the things you can do something about

You can read more about these NHS tips here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/reduce-stress/

Time in Nature

The tool I find the most useful is exercise.  I’m lucky to live in the countryside with two big dogs who need to be out and about so every day I HAVE to walk.  Most weekdays that involves a 40min loop around the lanes behind our house but at weekends I take my girls on mini adventures.  We’ve just moved to a new village so I’m exploring the hills behind the house that are filled with footpaths.  The Ordinance Survey map app has been invaluable…it’s so easy to get lost!  These little excursions usually last 3-4 hours and have found me wading through 3ft rivers, carrying two 30KG labradoodles over many stiles, being dragged through a muddy stream on my knees as they tried to take off after a hare, lots of standing looking at incredible views and being surrounded by beautiful wildlife and farm animals.  It’s hard for the horrible thoughts to penetrate during these adventures..so I’m off on another one…right now!