Instead of engaging in those self-destructive thoughts, here is a list of things you can do instead. I’m going to probably keep adding to this as I think of things. <3
- read a good book. <3 If you need any suggestions, let me know and I’ll try to help. :D
- dance in your room/somewhere private where you can really crank up the music!!
- draw on your arm where you want to SI with a red marker (make sure it’s washable!!).
- scribble on lots of sheets of paper.
- make some tea - the process of making tea has been shown to be calming, as well as the drink itself.
- make some hot chocolate or coffee if you don’t like tea.
- bake something for someone special.
- journal about why you’re feeling the way you are, as long as it won’t trigger you further.
- try your hand at sketching, even if you’ve never done it before.
- write a poem or a short story about something completely unrelated to your struggles - it can be as silly as possible. In fact, I challenge you to make it as silly as possible!! :D
- go for a walk/jog and find 5 things that you think are beautiful.
- do some yoga!! and perhaps try some poses you’ve never done before. <3 Yoga is calming yet good exercise at the same time.
- watch videos on YouTube. I highly recommend Within Temptation’s music videos and recovery songs like “Beauty from Pain” by Superchick and “Skyscraper” by Demi Lovato. Nothing that will bring you down further is allowed. <3
- have some fun on Tumblr. Reblog silly or inspirational pictures, quotes, or videos.
- if you play an instrument, practice it/play something you enjoy on it. If you don’t, sing some of your favorite songs, even if you think you aren’t a good singer.
- if you have the energy, clean some. Surprise with whomever you are living, with a clean bedroom/living room/bathroom. :) And if you’re living alone, well, it’s a chore you won’t have to do another time. :)
- call a friend. Maybe someone you haven’t spoken to in awhile. Have a nice long chat with them.
- pet something soft. It could be one of your pets (if you have any), or a stuffed animal. As silly as it sounds, it could even be a super soft blanket you have. The repetitive motion of petting something is calming.
- take silly photos of yourself. It’s okay to act “immature,” even when you’re feeling low. Especially then. If you feel like it, post them to your Facebook or Tumblr.
- if you’re having trouble focusing on anything other than the self destructive thoughts, sit on the floor and clear your mind by doing this: close your eyes… find five different noises you can hear and five different textures within your reach. Focus on touching the textures, noticing how they feel, and think about what words you’d use to describe them. The same goes for the noises.
