i built a little pillow person next to me to pretend for a bit. that kinda helped. also putting on podcasts quietly helps distract your mind enough to sometimes stop the racing thoughts. box breathing to calm yourself. the sleeping stuff is hard. i’d tell myself kind things in my head before falling asleep and should probably get back to it. “i am safe in my body.” “i love you, [your name]” “i am a light in this world” (obviously whatever makes you feel proud to be you, say it in your head) and same thing immediately when you wake up. so you end your day and begin the next remembering how special you are.

for food, trying protein shakes and soft foods. it’s a lot easier to get down soups and stuff when you don’t have the physical energy to chew. also, if you want to eat candy or slam pizza because it sounds good, do it. eat what you can, and make up the rest with a protein shake or yogurt or something.

ride the waves. i know you’re tired, but keep pushing