What should I do instead to get myself to mostly stick to the best self-care possible?

Question

Hello 👋,
 I have Autism and was put on Olanzapine and Pregablin for anxiety. The Pregablin in particular has made me put on loads and loads of weight through cravings and my habit of binge eating sweets like chocolate, etc. 
 My latest anxiety and mental health issue has been about self-care and so, so, so, so, so, so wanting to always take the best care of myself possible and always failing at it and usually ending up binge eating.
 We have reduced the Pregablin and I’m going to come off of it.
 Anyhow, I have done loads of posters with the quote “Always Look After Yourself As Well As You Can” (and variations), which I will often look at to try to remind myself to always look after myself, in particular after overeating and/or when I’m in a “bad mindset”. I have tried making vows to the Buddha (I’m into Buddhism). I have tried promising myself. I have even tried going outside, in nature and to a favourite place to make vows about self-care. I have tried typing out the quotes on my phone and writing them out on paper. I have always not succeeded...
 What can I do instead to help myself better?
 Thank you 😊.
 May you and all sentient beings everywhere be perfectly well, healthy, happy and safe forever.
 Best Wishes to all,
Rory.
Have the best day and night ever!
 

Answer 1

The Buddha preached the Middle Way - the happy medium between the extremes of self-indulgence and self-denial. Some of the things we can do to take care of ourselves are easy if not downright fun.



I'm not saying that overcoming a habit like binge eating is easy, but there are ways to make it less difficult. You eat because you're unhappy, so anything you can do to keep your spirits up will help.



Also there's good evidence that mindfulness, that great discovery of the Buddha, is helpful in overcoming bad habits and addictions. You want to respond mindfully to the impulse. And as I said, whatever keeps your spirits up is good, and mindfulness is one of those things.



If you go to Metapsychology, you can read a psychologist's review of Dr Steve Ilardi's book ("a splendid book"). He's the therapist who headed a university lifestyle-depression project and developed a program for stress reduction. One thing that's great about his book is that there's so much in the Ilardi program that's easy. Even exercise is fairly easy if you go about it the right way - starting with light exercise and adding to it gradually. Just don't make yourself sick of exercise with too much and quit.



Thich Nhat Hanh, one of the world's most famous Buddhist teachers, wrote this in the Preface to a book by Jon Kabat-Zinn, the scientist who started mindfulness-based therapy - "Dharma that helps people with the problems of daily life is true dharma."



TNH is a good author. You might want to read The Miracle of Mindfulness. Also, think about the mindfulness-based therapies.



Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a mindfulness-based therapy that's been shown to help with eating disorders. DBT is a long and intensive program. Some therapists make use of DBT ideas. You might get some use out of a book used in DBT - Skills Training Manual for Borderline Personality Disorder. It's very popular.



Actually, there are good mindfulness resources that cost nothing or next to nothing. Apps are very popular. One reviewer has said the best one is Mindful Life Project, which is absolutely free.



More information here -



https://answersrip.com/question/index?qid=20181017102424AATNh1h



Sometimes, self-care tastes good. Here's a good beginner's exercise from TNH. Make a strong cup of green tea with an interesting aftertaste that lingers and enjoy.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNiwOI0u9AI

Answer 2

Hey man, I am also on Zyprexia. I have been on it for five years almost. I went from 180 to 220. Now a days I exercise much more. I am down to 205, probably in about a years time, and I am still at it, grinding away. Exercise is its own reward. When it comes to showering, get some nice zesty soaps that really make you smell good afterward. That's rewarding. Change clothes as often as you shower. I do every 2-3 days. Have now for some time. I don't work yet, so its not requried that I change all the time. When I am going out the next day, I shower before. Simple rule. I shave every sunday. I use Scope almost every night before going to bed, but especially after showering. This is no general principle here. Just feel good about doing it and it will be easier to do. Oh do I crave choclate too! Just had some M*M's tonight. :D Peace, and good luck to you.

Answer 3

if youre not already doing it maybe you should get some counseling

Answer 4

Seems like you are exerting a lot of thought regarding the idea of "self care".Reduce and start "doing"creative things like a hobby.Maybe photography,skateboarding,artwork and posters for other people.The more physical activity the less time you spend "eating".You also burn off calories.so while being creative you are also toning up and losing weight.Cycle out in nature,take along walk or a jog.It will help to reduce anxiety and sleep better.OK Rory! do do do best wishes!

Answer 5

I've heard Olanzapine can make you gain weight too.