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The Autism Self-care series Part 2
Self-Care can be divided into 6 sectors, Physical, Professional, Personal, Spiritual, Emotional and Psychological. As an autistic woman, I find psychological self-care an important first step to balancing out all the other self-care sectors. How well we function daily is often affected by how well we take care of our minds, thoughts and self-reflection. It's hard to keep our emotions in check if we have no awareness or control of our thoughts, it's hard to function well physically, professionally or personally if we are experiencing brain fog or are unsure of who we are and what's important to us. Psychological self-care is about identity and fulfilment within that identity. We need to accept ourselves, love ourselves and understand ourselves to care for ourselves and others.
I have trauma from my childhood and that trauma can sometimes be triggered at the worst times. I have attended therapy and developed strategies and tools to handle these triggers; this is a form of psychological self-care.
I grew up mimicking those around me so much in order to camouflage myself into the groups around me that I had no idea who I truly was and what made me happy. I had a strong idea of my beliefs and values, those were not in question, but what I liked to watch, do and participate in, they were unknown. I took my kids to America after saving for 5 years and while I was there, we visited the theme parks. I loved the wizarding world and Star Wars areas so much and I realised I had always had these things as special interests but was unable to say that. I realised there was a huge chunk of my identity that I had suppressed, and it had affected my ability to open up and be me. Since then, I have worked a lot on who I am. I spend my whole life camouflaging and I don't want to do that anymore. I'm happier now that I don't.
Psychological self-care also includes just relaxing in the sun and taking time to be mindful or completely at peace. My mind is constantly racing, and I struggle to stop thinking or even just think about one thing unless I am in a state of hyperfocus. It is therefore important for me to take time to just relax and be mindful or still.
There are so many different aspects to psychological self-care, I encourage you to find the ones that will be helpful to you that you have neglected and invest in them today.
Things you can do to improve your psychological self-care:
take time for self-reflection and self-awareness.
Sensory activities
aromatherapy
Practice mindfulness
Do something creative such as drawing, painting, quilting, cooking, etc.
Go to the ballet, a symphony, or a concert.
Relax in your garden, park, or at the beach.
Practice and/or visualize asking for and receiving help.
Read a self-help book.
Think about your positive qualities and your strengths.
Journaling
Consider the following if you think you need extra support, but find neuro-divergent-friendly supports:
Therapy
Join a support group.
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