Using strategies for self soothing

Reflective pause: 

What do you do to sooth yourself? How might you incorporate new strategies to enhance your ability to manage stress and maintain well-being?

Self-soothing is an essential skill for maintaining mental and emotional health, managing stress and building resilience in the face of challenges. Engaging in self-soothing activities cultivates self-compassion and self-care, allowing you to nurture yourself during times of need. Strategies such as deep breathing and mindfulness will be particularly helpful, but other techniques are: 

• Progressive muscle relaxation: Tense and release different muscle groups in the body to release physical tension and promote relaxation.

• Visualisation: Imagine yourself in a peaceful, serene setting, such as a beach or forest, to evoke feelings of calmness and tranquillity.

• Sensory activities: Engage your senses by listening to calming music, smelling soothing scents like lavender, or indulging in a warm bath or shower.

• Calm your senses: find 5 things to look at; 4 things to listen to; 3 things you can feel.

• Positive self-talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations or reassuring statements to cultivate a sense of self-compassion and optimism.

• Self-Care practices: Prioritise self-care activities such as getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in activities that replenish you.

• Physical activity: Engage in gentle exercise or stretching to release tension and boost mood through the release of endorphins.

• Creative expression: Express yourself through creative activities like writing, drawing, or painting, allowing emotions to flow freely and promoting self-expression.

• Social connection: Reach out to supportive friends, family members, or colleagues for comfort and companionship when times are hard.

Give yourself a butterfly hug: wrap your arms across your chest, patting your arms with alternate hands.