Do you wish you could feel more resilient as you try and help your child?
Would having some ideas help you?
Man never made any material as resilient as the human spirit. ~ Bernard William
Self-care helps you stay resilient and weather the ups and downs of your child’s substance use. It lays the foundation for healing and change when your child is struggling to find recovery.
You don’t have to suffer as much.
Even though your child is not, you can be happier.
Energy will be gained. You will have more patience and be more resilient when you focus on yourself first. Your child will be better in the long run if they see that you are staying strong. Become the role model that is so needed during this stressful time. Your child also won’t feel the burden of making you feel miserable.
One of the most important things you can do is to stay calm. Yelling, arguing, or confronting your child is not helpful and can often create situations where things are said that you both regret.
When you worry continually about your child, you may tend to neglect yourself. You may begin to feel that the only thing you can focus on is your child. This isn’t healthy for you or anyone around you.
The more optimistic and resilient that you are, the better for your child and the rest of your family. When you take care of yourself, you shift from feeling helpless to feeling that you have control over certain aspects of your life.
If you want your child to be happier and healthier, be happier and healthier yourself!
Ask yourself these questions when thinking about your health:
- Are you getting 6-8 hours of sleep?
- Are you eating fresh food?
- Do you drink enough water?
- Are you keep up with your regular doctor appointments?
- Do you see the dentist every 6 months?
- Do you wear sunglasses & sunscreen regularly?
- Finally, how often do you exercise? Is it fun for you?
According to Drs. Foote, Wilkens, and Kosanke, authors of Beyond Addiction, “We cannot overemphasize the importance of self-care: strengthening your resilience, building your distress tolerance, increasing your capacity for perspective, developing your awareness of your own emotional triggers.
As a parent, your actions often speak louder than words. Show your child that life can be better, you can be healthier, and that positive change is possible.
It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority. ~ Mandy Hale
Adapted from the Parent’s 20 Minute Guide, here are 49 things you can do to keep yourself on a positive track and stay resilient.
1. Spend time with a friend (face to face, on the phone, by email, or by text).
2. Cook your favorite meal.
3. Get a manicure, pedicure, or massage.
4. Go for a walk or a run. Notice what is around you.
5. Go out with a friend or family member for dinner.
6. Sign up for a class on a topic that interests you.
7. Go for a hike in nature or the city. Go somewhere new and enjoy the moment.
8. Watch your favorite show on TV. Comedies are particularly helpful.
9. Engage in a sport that you enjoy, such as golf, biking, tennis, yoga, basketball, baseball, bowling, etc. Invite a friend to join you or exercise alone.
10. Go to the beach, or go to the mountains.
11. See a new movie in the theater.
12. See a live play.
13. Watch YouTube videos that make you laugh.
14. Try something new, different, and exciting like rock climbing, roller coasters, horseback riding, karaoke singing, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
15. Take up a hobby you enjoy (photography, knitting, gardening, cooking, painting, etc.).
16. Permit yourself to take a nap.
17. Meditate; download a guided mindfulness training. Start with baby steps of even one minute.
18. Find something to appreciate about another person and compliment them out loud.
19. Buy yourself some flowers. Feel happier as you look at them. Feel happier as you smell them.
20. Play cards, brainteasers, crosswords, word games. (Some to try are Sudoku, Wee Spider, 1010!, Rummy tiles, Bridge).
21. Re-read a favorite book, poem, or article—Thumb through your favorite magazine.
22. Meet a friend for lunch, dinner, or breakfast.
23. Buy an adult coloring book. It can help you to relax.
24. Listen to your favorite music playlist.
25. Explore a local flea market.
26. Window shop and see what is new.
27. Make a hair appointment.
28. Focus on just enjoying a cup of coffee or tea.
29. Take your dog for a walk. Play with your cat.
30. Sign up to volunteer for an organization that you care about.
31. Sit outside, observe, and enjoy nature.
32. Light some candles and take a hot bath.
33. Go to a live sporting event and cheer your team to victory.
34. Go to a concert and enjoy the music.
35. Write in your journal. At the end of your entry, list 5-10 things that you are grateful for.
36. Go to a museum and see the latest exhibit.
37. Make a photo album. (Pictures of your child when they were younger can remind you that you can still help them at this time in their life.)
38. Go for a drive and see something new.
39. Ask your husband or wife out on a date.
40. Hire a trainer, or go to the gym and work out.
41. Play an instrument or take lessons to learn to play something new.
42. Listen to a favorite podcast.
43. Buy yourself a new outfit.
44. Visit your local book store. Read a book for pleasure.
45. Go to services at your church. Get involved with one of their programs.
46. Try a new place of worship.
47. Buy yourself an ice-cream cone. Take a walk as you enjoy eating it.
48. Visit a new town for a day or two.
49. Go to a workshop or retreat.
So there you have it. I hope this list will spark some ideas so that you can stay more resilient.
Article Source: cathytaughinbaugh.com
