Sometimes when trying to cope with a difficult situation it can be hard to imagine how it can be made better. Making sure you care for yourself, however, can help significantly and make it easier to cope both physically and mentally.
- Ensure you eat and drink regularly. Consider eating more fruit and vegetables and drink warm, milky drinks which often bring comfort.
- Cut down on alcohol and caffeine. Both can offer short-term relief to distressing situations but in the long term they can cause depression.
- Ensure you get enough sleep and relaxation. Sleep deprivation makes it more difficult to cope in difficult situations so relax in whatever way you can, Consider practicing relaxation techniques, listening to relaxation tapes or even arrange to have complimentary therapy or a massage to help.
- Get ‘me’ time. Switch off the computer and the mobile phone and tell others you plan to have some time to yourself. Then either take a walk, meditate, or just do something you like doing, for example, watch a film or read a book – the more lighthearted the better.