We all have times in our lives when we see no choice but to self medicate. We binge eat, smoke, drink, or do whatever we need to. We need to fill a void, ease the pain, comfort ourselves.
The thing is, the whole idea of self medicating, is finding something to make yourself feel better. Overeating or engaging in harmful activities will only give you temporary relief, and then you will feel terrible. Self loathing sets in. It isn’t worth it…never is.
One thing that I have been really working on is finding healthy things to “self medicate” with. Natural highs can be so incredibly enjoyable, that you can skip the drugs!
I have been on an off antidepressants and anxiety meds for the past 30 years, but now, I am feeling pretty balanced without Zoloft or Clonapan.
Here are some of my favorites:
*hiking in the woods, getting out in nature in any way (breathe deeply)
*sleeping – sometimes sleeping is the best way to rest and reset.
*Pick flowers and put them in vases around your house.
*dancing or exercising.
*healthy hot chocolate – make it from scratch – use stevia or agave instead of sugar, cacao powder
*regular exercise – morning yoga EVERY DAY, walking after work, hitting the gym at least twice a week for more intense cardio
*meditate or just take some deep breaths
*spend time alone doing something fun – visiting a local garden, paddle boarding, hitting the city and shopping in local shops, anything to enrich my life and get me out of the house and my head.
What is your favorite strategy to help yourself without meds?