The One Where You Don't Self Sabotage
Avoiding self-harm and self-sabotage is a crucial aspect of maintaining mental and emotional health.
If you're struggling with self-sabotage whether through cutting, disordered eating, sleeping too much or too little, here's a guide to help you navigate through these challenges:
Identify Your Triggers:
This is the stuff that knocks you off balance, whether it's a bad day at work, scrolling through Insta or tricky family dynamics. Knowing these is like unlocking your personal cheat code to wellness.
Make moves to sidestep these triggers. This might mean changing up your routine, setting clear boundaries in your relationships, or finding new ways to handle those sticky situations.
For example, reduce your time spent on screens if social media triggers negative emotions. Adjust your social circle or online follows to surround yourself with people who inspire and support you, rather than those who diminish your positivity.
Speak Up with Grace: Share your needs in a way that's straightforward but kind.
Hold Your Ground: Consistently uphold your limits. If necessary, remind others of your boundaries in a soft but firm manner.
Prepare for Hiccups: Some may not understand immediately. Stay calm and firm, handle situations with understanding and resilience.
It's all about placing your mental health first and drama-free. Recognize your triggers and craft your life around what genuinely serves your well-being and empowers you to live more fully.
Adopt Healthy Coping Strategies
Healthy coping strategies are your secret weapon for staying cool under pressure and bouncing back faster from tough spots. They're like your personal toolkit for feeling stronger and more confident through life's plot twists. Here are some ideas to help you build your kit:
Mindfulness and Exercise:
Creative Outlets and Social Support:
Sensory Techniques and Problem Solving
Healthy Living:
Prepare A Crisis Plan
A crisis plan is your emergency kit for tough moments. It includes a list of friends or family you can call, hotlines for immediate help and quick activities like breathing exercises or listening to your favourite music to calm you down. It's all about making sure you have a plan to feel supported and safe when things get really hard.
Establish a Routine
Create a daily routine with regular meals, sleep and activities to provide stability.
Explore Underlying Issues
Work with professionals to address deeper emotional pain or trauma that may lead to self-harm and sabotage. A therapist can offer support, help you understand the root causes of your urges and develop a plan to manage them effectively.
Build a Support Network
Surround yourself with understanding people for encouragement and a sense of belonging.
And Last but obviously not least, Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself, acknowledge that healing is a journey with ups and downs.
Recognize every step forward and understand that overcoming self-sabotage is a gradual process.
It's crucial to be patient and gentle with yourself throughout this journey.
If there's immediate danger or thoughts of suicide, seek emergency help and dial 999.
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