If you are in a constant state of stress, take a step back and make self care a priority  

When your child has mental illness or addiction, you may feel there is no other way than to feel in a constant state of stress.

Maybe you have even become accustomed to it and so this state feels very familiar.

Stress can be very damaging to your own health.

And it can create an emotional and physical prison when it becomes consuming.

While you don’t have control over your child’s illness or addiction, you do have control over the decisions you make to take care of yourself.

While it may feel like you need to focus all your energy on your child, it is important to remember to make sure you are taking good care of you. 

Self care should be a priority because you need this to be able to manage your stress and to be your best self. 

And you need this in order to support your child. 

It can pave the way to setting a new pattern.

Start with setting up a self care routine you can count on. This can mean taking some time in the morning and again in the evening to do something that helps you emotionally, physically, spiritually or any combination. 

Make it a habit so that you know it will happen daily. Schedule it on your calendar if you need to. Whatever you need to do to ensure you will take care of you.

Some of the things that I do are:

Morning – celery juice, smoothie, meditation, journaling

Evening – writing my book or reading, meditation, prayer

Having a daily routine can also provide a sense of structure and certainty in the midst of so much uncertainty. 

I would love to know what you will do to take care of you❤️

Sending love and light,

Debbie