Bad Brain Days

Sunday was tough. There are just some days where I wake up and every decision I make or consider just leaves me feeling… bad. Like choosing whether or not to go to church yesterday. I felt bad thinking about going, but I felt just as bad not going. So, which do I choose? Do I go because I know I should go? Do I stay home because I really don’t want to go? What is the right answer?

Sometimes, I push myself to do something even though I don’t want to, because I know once I’m there I’ll be fine and I’ll enjoy myself. Like when I make plans with friends and the day comes and I don’t want to go. But some days, I feel like I can’t win, no matter what I do. And that’s when I know I need to do something for me.

So, my husband took the kids to church, and I stayed home and got a couple hours of alone time.

Sunday was what I like to call a “bad brain day” and when that happens, I know I just need to relax and do something for myself, because I’m burnt out and tired mentally and can’t do much else.

This is not a time to do something I would consider “self-care” but more a time to practice self-compassion. Just let myself exist. For me this can mean a few different things, but some of my favorite “bad-brain-day-self-compassion” activities are:

1. Take a long soak in the bath. This just completely relaxes my body, and feels amazing. Especially taking a warm bath on a cold day. Sometimes I’ll add bubbles or a bath bomb or Epsom salts to my bath for a little extra self-care. At the end, I leave the bath wishing I didn’t have to leave, but also feeling much more calm.

2. Read a good book. Usually this means a feel-good book. One I’ve read a few times and love. It feels like a hug for myself. For me, this is usually a book by Tamora Pierce, more specifically “Lady Knight” the last book in the Protector of the Small quartet. I just love everything about Kel’s story!

3. Work on a puzzle or craft. I love putting stuff together. It’s fun and it lets me forget about my life for a few hours. Right now I’m working on magnets for my daughter’s routine chart.

There are honestly so many options. Just find what feels right to you, and take care of yourself!

What do you do to practice self-compassion or self-care? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments!