We know
firsthand how hard the holidays can be many in the LGBTQIAP+ community. As it is
our mission to help you find happiness, pride, and strength in your life, we
have constructed a list of 10 self-care activities to gift yourself.
1. Connect with friends and family members who
are affirming of your identity. Whether you send a holiday card, a text
message, or call, connecting with those who respect and affirm you goes a long
way.
2. Curl up with an affirming book. If you
don’t know of any books that affirm your identity, ask us!
3. Finish a project you’ve been putting off.
We see you, students. Turning in a project you’ve been procrastinating will
give you more relief than setting down your holiday book haul.
4. Write down your 2017 achievements. Make
sure you include the little ones! This is a great way to reflect on your growth
and remember how amazing you are.
5. Clear out negativity on your social media
feeds. If there’s anyone who makes you uncomfortable on social media, it’s
time to do some holiday cleaning. You deserve to have a safe and affirming space online just as much as you do offline.
6. Write down some affirmations. Negative
thoughts can become even more invasive when we’re forced to interact with
non-affirming people. Take some time to write down and recite affirmations. You
can also trade affirmations with friends in the community!
7. Reach out if you need help. Talk to a
friend, a school counselor, or a therapist. You can also chat online with trained
mental health counselors at the Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Crisis Chat .
8. Spend some time alone. While it’s great
to surround yourself with support, sometimes we need a few hours alone to
relax. Whether you want to chill in your room, go for a walk, or drive to your
favorite place, know that it’s okay if you need to take some time for yourself.
9. Support your fellow LGBTQIAP+ friends.
Your community is your best source for support. Supporting others feels just as
good as getting support, and connecting with others in the community to spread
positivity is what we’re all about.
10. Write down a personal self-care plan. While
the above are a few of our tips, there are many self-care activities that you
may find more or less fulfilling. Pick up a journal or open up a Word doc and
get planning!
