What to do When You Want to Hide

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We all have days when we don't feel up to being with the world.  I don't mean a duvet day; that to me is a completely different thing. I'm talking about those kinds of days when you don't want to speak to anyone, interact with anyone and just be with yourself. For reasons I'll explain at a later date, I've sent my family on holiday without me, so I'm feeling like I need one of these days today: let's call this a 'Hiding from the World' day.

 Having a chronic condition, coupled with a Hiding from the World day, is usually linked with a need to be alone and/or a need to slow down, if just for a day.

So, what do we do on these sorts of days?

1. Get some wrap around care for the children. If they're at school, all the better; if not, then call in the cavalry. Don't feel guilty; your body is telling you need to be restful today.
2. Choose one activity you would like to do today. It doesn't have to be from the list below. The rules are that the activity has to be only for you and should benefit you in some way.
3. Get out the box sets - now is your chance to make your way through the programme you've been wishing you had the time for.
4. Get outside - park, garden, etc- and read. If you haven't read in a good long while, there are plenty of free reads out there. You don't have to talk to anyone, but you will find yourself immersed in another world..
5. Pace yourself - this is your day, don't use it up with cleaning and washing clothes (unless you genuinely find this relaxing, of course)
6. Download a mindfulness app like Headspace, and get quiet. Most of us aren't good at this the first few times, so don't worry if you become distracted, thoughts wandering, or if you find yourself feeling silly. This will disappear in time as you find you experience the benefits of feeling more grounded.
7. Sleep. I know this sounds odd as you probably don't want to waste a day you rarely get, but taking care of yourself is not frittering anything away; it's all about what you and your body need.

The over-arching rule? This is a guilt-free day. This is for you. You look after everyone else, but this is a small opportunity for you to finally look after yourself. Now, get off social media and go relax!

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