6 Self Care Tips for People with Disabilities

Mental health is just as important as physical health. 

As a physically disabled person, I have to make decisions based on my physical health every single day. If you’re like me, your mental health can sometimes be pushed under the rug. I have made a list of small self-care actions that can help your mental and physical health.

1. Stay hydrated

This is something all healthcare professionals talk about. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! For me, I know that being dehydrated can lead to irritability and pain. By staying hydrated, your mind and body will align better. This is a small act of self-care that yields many positive outcomes.

For a hands-free water bottle solution, check out the Kitsack. 

2. Plan a night away from home

We’ve spent a lot of time at home over the past few years. Many disabled people are still taking safety precautions by staying at home. I have had a few moments of feeling “trapped” at home during the pandemic.

To get away from all of the chaos caused by doing everything in the same environment, plan a night away from home. You don’t have to go far, just somewhere new to decompress. Have a sleepover with a friend. Don’t forget to pack everything in your trusty duffel bag. 

3. Journal

Something that has helped me to maintain positive mental health is journaling. This will look different for everyone. I like to write in my journal by hand, but it sometimes takes a lot of energy to do that. You can type a journal or even create an audio-recording journal.

However, journaling may look for you, it is a healthy way to organize your thoughts and process emotions.

4. Rest

If you find yourself struggling to get through the day, take time to rest. The world moves fast, and it can be hard to keep up. Don’t feel bad for canceling plans. If you have a disability, you know it is something you can’t always control.

Take the time you need, unapologetically. 

5. Plan a “happy day”

On a day you don’t any other plans, only do things that will make you happy. If you want to stay in bed until the afternoon, that’s great. If you’d rather get up and go outside at five in the morning, that’s also okay!

The point is you can do whatever your heart desires for one full day. It’s like your birthday, but instead, it’s just a day for you to be happy.

6. Spend time in nature

When it’s warm, I like to stay outside for as long as possible. The sunshine always feels like nature’s hug. There’s something almost magical about nature. Depending on your level of connection with nature, you may even choose to carry crystals.

I have a few Tigers’ Eye stones on my desk. They’re said to help with a variety of physical ailments but also protect against negative energies. If you don’t believe in the power of gemstones, they can merely serve as a reminder to stay positive.

This list is not all-encompassing, but it has helped me on difficult days. I hope it can help you, too.