Self-soothing is a way of treating yourself when you are hurting or challenged beyond your means.
Here are some ideas that can help you find your happy place again.
When are emotionally or physically hurt, our reactions vary based on the person. Whether you lash out or retreat, it is important to get after-care to soothe the hurt.
According to Dr.Nicole LePera, a Psychologist who works with holistic therapy, treating yourself is learned in childhood from caretakers. Based on how they take care of us, we adopt and either learn to self-soothe or not.
The good news is that it’s never too late to soothe yourself when you are having a hard time.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Breathing exercise
Become aware of your breathing as you take deep breaths. Focus on your breathing until it returns to normal. This is a way to help your body recover from stress.
2. Get comfortable
Wrap yourself in comfortable fabric either blankets or your comfortable clothes. Sit or sleep in a comfortable place or do engage in minimal activity without leaving your comfortable space. You can also lie down and get a good full-body stretch.
3. Use your imagination
Visualise a happy memory or a calm place and focus on the feelings and images it gives you. You can also visualise the problem or negative feelings leaving your body.
4. Conscious physical relaxing
Become aware of your body and start to relax from your head to toe. Give yourself a simple hand massage. You can also stand up and move or shake your body for a bit.
5. Use your senses
Pay attention to a particular sense. It could be smell, touch, or noise around you.
6. Get a warm beverage
A cup of tea, chocolate, soup, or water can help you feel warm and taken care of.
7. Doodle
Get out a paper or device and start doodling abstract patterns and shapes. Let your hand and mind go on a doodling spree of nonsense until you feel okay.
8. Hug yourself
Remember when you would hug your knees, hold your head or cover yourself when you were scared? Wrap your arms around your body and remain in the hug for 30 seconds. If you feel the waterworks breaking, let yourself cry.
9. Listen to your heart
Place your hand on your chest and feel your heart beating. Let the pulse comfort you that you are alive and surviving. Find comfort in the fact.
10. Take a warm shower or long bath, for as long as you want
Close your eyes for a while and let the warm water soak you.
