WELL BEING AND QUALITY OF LIFE
Support Activities Developed by:
Michael C. Irving, Ph.D. and Cheryl Irving, B.A. Psychotherapists

DAILY/WEEKLY ACTIVITIES TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

Stability and well being are greatly anchored by being surrounded by the ordinary, nurturing activities to look after yourself.

When you are not overwhelmed by memories or stress, most of the requirements and concerns of self-care seem obvious and straight forward. Traumatic memories can have a way of blurring the ordinary and sometimes they seem to take precedence making self-care feel difficult or even impossible.

The following are some ideas for the kinds of things that may go on a "Daily/Weekly Activities to Take Care of Yourself" list. These are not presented as a comprehensive list and not everything is right for everyone. Use whatever feels right for you.

It is important for you to come up with your own personalized coping strategy lists.

MANAGE STRESS BEFORE IT IS OUT OF CONTROL

The trauma you experienced as a child was terrible. The vulnerability and sensitivity that those tragedies created in you is very real. All people have to manage their feelings and life stresses. As a survivor of trauma, you have to work at it harder than many others. It is far easier to gain control of a bad feeling before it spirals into despair and a full-blown crisis.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF REGULARLY

Referring to a "Daily/Weekly Activities to Take Care of Yourself & Stay Healthy List" is a good way to make sure that you are staying on top of things.

Looking at your regular activity list is also a means of having an emotional thermometer. Skipping activities such as eating regular meals, doing exercise or taking time for leisure can be a sign that you are being triggered or that some stressful issue is surfacing that you may be unaware of.

You may even start to notice associations between the types of activities you do not do and the kinds of issues that are coming up.

Through an early warning system, decisions can be made about going to therapy, getting extra therapy, and also doing what you need to relieve tension or work through adversity.

LIST #1 Make Yourself a List of "Daily/Weekly Activities to Take Care of Yourself" Here is a sample:

1. Shower every day.
2. Take a long walk three times a week.
3. Listen to music to start your day.
4. Have some form of leisure every day.
5. Make time for therapy.
6. Do twenty minutes of journalling twice during the week and on each weekend day.
7. Eat regularly.
8. Get sufficient sleep and sleep in on Saturday.
9. Vacuum and straighten.
10. Etc. Make your own personalized list!!!

To book an appointment CALL
(416)469-4764

michael@irvingstudios.com
cheryl@irvingstudios.com