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Taking Care of Yourself

Let’s face it . . . the violence that you have experienced affects almost every aspect of your life. Whether you have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault, your personal rights have been violated. Each of us has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. At times, it may be hard to remember that we have these rights. It is important to remind yourself that you have the right to feel safe and live a life free from violence. It is helpful to find others to give you support as you heal. You can get support from the Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-838-8238. As you heal, you can also support yourself. Following is a list of things that you can do or say to help yourself feel safer, healthier, and happier. Try them and see what works for you.

Make a list of all the people you care about most. Put your own name at the top of the list.

Reach out to others for help, but choose your helpers wisely.

Pat yourself on the back for all the many things that you have done right in your life.

Sing your blues in the shower and let the water wash your troubles away

(at least for a few relaxing minutes).

Know that there aren’t any quick fixes. Learn to be patient with your heart.

Order a HUGE pizza and skip cooking dinner tonight!

Put your blues to music. Who knows, you may just be the next B. B. King.

Raid your refrigerator late at night. Go hog-wild!

Spend at least thirty minutes a day outside in the fresh air.

Make a list of all your good qualities. Don’t be modest. This will boost your self-esteem!

Before you get out of bed tomorrow morning, stretch to relax your body.

Cultivate new dreams for yourself.

Make sure they are big, bold dreams – you deserve the very best.

When you need support, call the Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline. We are here to offer support and encouragement 24 hours a day.

Adapted from 2,002 Ways to Cheer Yourself Up by Cyndi Haynes.

For support, talk to your partner, family, friends, an advocate at a sexual assault crisis center, or call the Virginia Family Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-838-8238(v/tty).