Self-Soothing is something we all learn as infants. When we cry, our caregiver tends to us and soothe us. This pattern teaches us confidence that everything will be alright. After a while, just knowing that our caregiver i there
for us gives us the confidence to self-sooth. As we grow older we use our five senses to evoke memories of sooting moments to self-sooth. Some of us didn't always get this consistent nurturing from our caregiver or sometimes we
forget as we go through traumas and disappointments, which puts us at risk to use unhealthy quick fixes to sooth. Some of these may include alcohol, drugs, sex, binge eating, and the like. I have comprised a list of healthy
self-soothing techniques with the members of one of my groups. It is a good idea to pick couple that work for you and use them on a regular basis so when you really need to self-sooth, you already know what works.
Self-soothing Techniques
Self-soothing Techniques
- Walking dog
- Jogging
- Online shopping without buying
- Video games
- Taking pictures
- Drawing
- Journaling
- Planting flowers
- Working in garden
- Gym
- Yoga class at home DVD or you tube
- Yoga or Pilates class
- Reading
- Painting
- Going for a drive
- Skype a friend
- Instagram or periscope play
- Window-shopping downtown or at mall
- Going to Art shows & museums
- Bake cookies for classmates, neighbors, group, or coworkers
- Crochet or knitting
- Ride bike
- Work on remote control cars for racing
- Listen to podcasts
- Self-hypnosis
- Work on linked in profile
- Wash car
- Learn how to play guitar
- Warm bath with candles
- Soak feet in hot water
- Follow daily or nightly routine
- Soak in hot tub
- Meditating
- Self-talk
- Counting
- Playing with cat
- Make to do lists
- Watching movies
