Before Bath Bombs and Facemasks: 20 Gentle Ways to Practice Self-Love During a Mental or Chronic Illness Episode

Sometimes we're not in a place where we can pamper ourselves with material things. We can't treat ourselves just yet. First, we need to get ourselves to what I like to call 'the functioning place.' Here's my routine for when I've spent too much time in bed/at home and I'm feeling dirty, tired and gross.

1. Get up. Get out of bed. It's hard but you can do it.
2. Change and throw your dirty laundry into a hamper. Put on something comfy and cute. Leggings and a sweater is my go-to. Bra is not required, but having nice cleavage might cheer you up a bit.
3. Use a makeup wipe (or even a baby wipe) to clean your face if you don't feel like you can take a shower. Get the grime off your skin and the sleepies out of your eyes.
4. Brush your teeth, or at least use some mouthwash.
5. Use a new, fresh baby wipe to clean your armpits and your naughty bits if you still can't take a shower. It's okay. Just get yourself clean, babe.
6. Open the shades and stand in the sun, or better yet, go outside. Even if it's cold. Drink in the air. feel refreshed. Let the sun warm your skin, even if it's winter. Even if it's shady. There's always sun behind the clouds.
7. Bend over and touch your toes. Feel your muscles working for the first time in a while. Stretch them, thank them.
8. Put on some hot water. If you can tolerate caffeine, make some black tea or a cup of coffee. If not, make some herbal tea. Drink it. Then drink a big glass of cold water. Hydrate. Your body will thank you.
9. Eat something easy, like canned soup, ramen, shredded cheese from the bag, a frozen meal or a day-old bagel your roommate left on the counter.
10. Check your email. Respond to any texts if you can. Call your parents. Tell them you love them.  Breathe. It's okay. You did so well today. 

It's okay if the only things you could muster today were these ten things. If you didn't make it to class, if you skipped work or cancelled a date, it is okay. You're just as valuable as you would be if you had gone to work or school. Be gentle with yourself, you're doing the best you can.