Rather than hold you in suspense about the other five of the 6 Tips For What to Do When You Feel Exhausted by Life, I figured I would swing right into this. Also, I am launching several, other personal and professional projects this winter and spring and I need to keep up the pace! Speaking of being exhausted by life!
Anyway, #2 is “remind yourself you are doing the best you can”. This is related to the DBT tenet, clients are doing the best they can do, but they can do better. Huh? How many people do you know who choose to suffer if they have the skill and the resources to get out of it? Not many, I suppose. Find the resources and learn the skills and you just may have a way to lessen suffering. It may be coping but it could be an easier form.
Avoiding the need to work harder trap is #3. There are some things in this world that are not going to change no matter what. The proverbial dead horse is not getting up to pull no matter how hard you whip it. That is not your fault. If you are feeling you are not trying hard enough, use your rational mind to appraise the situation. Does it actually require extra effort? Maybe it requires a different approach or you need different skills. If none of these work, give it a rest and use tolerance skills.
Avoiding rumination is #4 on the list. Rumination and depression tend to go together. Focusing your attention elsewhere can help with this.
What the list’s author calls regulating your rhythms is referred to as PlEASE in DBT. Take care of physical illness, avoid mood altering substances and be sure you are eating, sleeping and exercising optimally for you.
Last but certainly not least on their list is self-soothing. DBT talks about soothing through all of the five senses. What can you think you can do to self-soothe? Treat yourself to something you don’t often do. Get a massage. Buy a high-end chocolate and savor it. Take a bubble bath instead of a shower. The list is endless.
So that is the end of the article suggestions, but I am going to add one more: remember you are more than your disability. Take some time to be you and engage in things you enjoy to the best of your abilities. Occasionally put the visually impaired person away on the shelf. She will be there when you go to get her there off again. In other words, when the going gets tough, the tough go fishing!
Have fun!
Written December 1st, 2018