There is sometimes this assumption that to focus on yourself means that you are selfish – which could not be further from the truth.  When you are giving your body what it needs you are sending a message of self love, with actions you are saying “I love myself”. This is such a vital part of your treatment.  I want to create a solid base for you to experience self-regulation and emotional decompressing.  When you are taking care of yourself you are in a better place to help others.  It is a cognitive distortion to think you are being selfish by focusing on your needs and healing.  My approach to self care is very much like the food pyramid – if we can create a solid base then you are able to build on those simple (yet powerful) things and have a higher distress tolerance whenever unexpected stress and emotion hits.  In this section we will break down this Wise Zen Therapy approach to self-care:

Blue pyramid divided into 4 sections, starting from bottom to top: Sleep, Water, Exercise/Yoga, Nutrition/Gut (above this) In Case of Emergency, (above this) No Cost Self Care, and on the top point of the pyramid: Cost Self Care.

HYDRATE!

It almost seems silly to have a blog about drinking more water, but it is surprising how often client’s recognize they are not meeting the daily water requirements.  When you think of our body composition 80% of it is made of water.  If that resource is depleted from crying, working out, drinking too much alcohol or eating a lot of salty foods you better believe it can have a monumental impact on how you are feeling emotionally.  AND, water helps with toxin removal from the body another agent that if not released will make you feel bad.  I know, I know “But I don’t want to be in the bathroom every 5 minutes!” Well I wonder if that narrative can be shifted to “I am releasing the negative toxins in my body” or “I hydrate my body because it is self care” (again, my love of CBT and cognitive reshifting!).

 A glorious stream of water pouring from a bottle into a martini glass, pooling in the glass like liquid diamonds.

Water Intake

Please locate a water bottle that is 32oz (here is a link if you do not have one: Amazon Link  Make it a daily goal to drink 2 bottles full of water.  This seems so simple (or maybe not if you are thinking about the amount of increased bathroom trips you may have to take) but staying hydrated and nourishing your body with H20 is one of the best self care practices you can implement.

Start and then notice the effects you are finding with adding more water into your daily routine!

What did you notice?

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Happy Hydrating!

glass of water

– Margaret Weisenberger