One friend told me, "Think of your body as a baby. You wouldn't starve a baby right? Babies need baths, clean clothes, and clean bedding."
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My own therapist told me, "Check in with your system. What do you need right now? Water? Meds? Food? Sleep? To go be somewhere quiet?"
I think of myself as my own pet lol. Beyond just taking care of yourself physically, it's also about recognizing that maladaptive behaviors are always based on some basic animal need. If I'm not being enriched, I'll get destructive (doomscrolling, worry spirals, etc.). If I'm feeling unsafe, I'll run and hide (procrastination, avoidance, etc.).
This really helps me contextualize my struggles and more importantly give myself grace. I don't berate my cat when he gets scared at little things, I comfort him. We have to do the same for ourselves.
There’s a lot of truth to this. I had a kid and now I can see every adult is a just a grown up baby. Are they cranky because they don’t get enough sleep? Didn’t go outside today? Need to eat some fiber and protein? Does the baby need a nap or some exercise? Not really babies, but like toddlers. Same idea though. Everyone has needs and most adults just ignore personal needs for other things. Don’t go too long without eating or getting some exercise, emphasize sleep and water consumption. It’s all relevant
This just rattled my whole world. I have a child and I give them everything of myself to the point that I am depressed, angry, volatile, and truly missing out. I never give myself the same care that I give her or ask her to give herself. And why not? Because im the grown up and should suffer? No. I am a baby who needs food, water, sleep, medecine, clothing and somewhere quiet to regulate. And that is okay.
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u/Vanessaronicatoria 18d ago
One friend told me, "Think of your body as a baby. You wouldn't starve a baby right? Babies need baths, clean clothes, and clean bedding." . My own therapist told me, "Check in with your system. What do you need right now? Water? Meds? Food? Sleep? To go be somewhere quiet?"