Todays post is all about self-soothing, what is it and how can we do it?
Self-soothing is something we look to do if we’re feeling stressed, upset, or are experiencing distress or going through a crisis. If you’re particularly sensitive or empathic you may need to self-sooth more often as you absorb others feelings which can become incredible overwhelming. In addition you may not have been shown how to self-sooth and regulate these feelings. To help take charge of your emotions, it’s good to learn what self-soothing practices and techniques can help to prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and overloaded with emotions from the outside world. As always, different things work for different people so it’s good to try them all out.
One good way to self-sooth is focusing on the five sense:
Touch
- A big soft weighted blanket to cuddle into
- Have a bubble bath with some bath salts
- Get a massage or a facial
Taste
- Making a tasty meal and eating it slowly and mindfully
- Drinking a herbal tea to help relax
- Ice cream or lolly pop you can eat slowly
Smell
- Buy some flowers you can smell in your house or go for a walk and do the same
- Aromatherapy, essential oils, or lighting incense
- Lighting scented candles
Sight
- Watching a film you love or a comedy
- Watering your plants, and taking time to focus on the activity
- Watching the clouds go by and seeing if they look like anything
Sound
- Playing a musical instrument
- Listening to your favorite music
- Putting on background sounds of the ocean or rainforest
Some other ways you could self-sooth are:
- Conscious breathing or breathwork
- Positive self-talk or affirmations
- Give yourself a big hug
- Practice self-compassion
What other ways do you self-sooth, what works for you?
