A lot of times when I am starting to feel anxious all I really want to do is close my eyes and tell myself that the world doesn’t exist. I know it for a fact that asking for help is not always easy and sometimes we can take care of ourselves if we already have a plan in place.

That’s where self-soothing comes in.

Why is self-soothing a good thing?

Self-soothing is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it can help you manage stress, anxiety, or other difficult emotions. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or upset, self-soothing techniques can help you calm down and feel more grounded. This, in turn, can help you make better decisions and take more effective action.

Self-soothing can also help you regulate your emotions. When you’re feeling intense emotions like anger, fear, or sadness, it’s easy to get caught up in them and lose perspective. By practicing self-soothing techniques, you can learn to regulate your emotions and respond to them in a more balanced way.

In addition, self-soothing can help you take better care of yourself. When you’re stressed or anxious, it’s easy to neglect your self-care routine. By practicing self-soothing techniques, you can remind yourself that you deserve to be cared for and that taking care of yourself is important.

Overall, self-soothing is a valuable tool for anyone looking to manage their mental health and well-being. By taking the time to care for yourself and soothe your emotions, you can improve your quality of life and build resilience in the face of challenges.

29 ways to self-soothe

1. Practice deep breathing or belly breathing.
2. Listen to calming music or nature sounds.
3. Take a warm bath or shower.
4. Use a heating pad or hot water bottle.
5. Hold a warm cup of tea or coffee.
6. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket or shawl.
7. Practice progressive muscle relaxation.
8. Use aromatherapy with essential oils.
9. Write in a journal or do free writing.
10. Practice mindfulness meditation.
11. Spend time in nature.
12. Connect with a pet or other animal.
13. Use positive affirmations or self-talk.
14. Take a break and rest.
15. Use a weighted blanket or stuffed animal.
16. Stretch or do gentle yoga poses.
17. Practice visualization or guided imagery.
18. Do something creative, like painting or drawing.
19. Connect with a supportive friend or family member.
20. Read a favorite book or watch a comforting movie.
21. Use a stress ball or fidget toy.
22. Cook or bake a favorite recipe.
23. Take a walk or do light exercise.
24. Spend time with a hobby, like knitting or gardening.
25. Drink a warm cup of broth or soup.
26. Use a grounding technique, like 5-4-3-2-1.
27. Use a massage ball or foam roller.
28. Connect with a spiritual practice or community.
29. Practice self-compassion and self-care.

Got more ways to self-soothe? Share them in comments 👇🏼

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