Self-soothing is a healthy way to relieve anxiety from a physically or emotionally challenging experience. Babies and young children are known to self-soothe by sucking their thumbs or hanging onto a favorite soft teddy bear.
But adults can also reap the benefits of self-healing that help you to:
- Move forward past negativity or pain
- Gain self-confidence
- Overcome fears
- Block anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder or panic attacks
Comforting Yourself Through Your 5 Senses
Touch: use a stress ball to release stress or stroke the soft coat of a cat or dog, run cold water over your hands or take a warm shower, paying special attention to the water pouring over your skin
Hear: listen to your favorite music, a guided meditation, the sounds of nature or your breath
See: go outside and take in the natural scenery, look at pictures that evoke happiness, watch a comedy video to laugh or read affirmations or inspirational quotes
Taste: Steep a cup of calming tea or hot cocoa or suck on a peppermint hard candy
Smell: burn a fragrant candle or calming essential oils in a diffuser
