Self-Soothing Techniques -
What others are saying

Sequoia (London, UK)

Trying to find ways to self sooth, which is how I came to this site. Am discovering many, many people find life difficult not just a minority but lots of people for different reasons. I haven't been able to self-sooth because I've had a profound sense of worthlessness that stems from my background.

However, I'm learning more about self-soothing and to self sooth takes walks and just enjoy the smell and feel of the crisp winter air and the sights of of the city...

Sequoia

Dude (Canada)

Dude

Attachment Girl (Syracuse, NY, USA)

I hope its ok if we add more than one! I also use music to soothe myself. I have one CD called "After the Rain" by Michael Jones which contains piano instrumentals and the composer based the pieces on the sounds of water running downhill after a rain and forming creeks and rivers.

It literally sounds like water decided to play the piano. Its really calming and I find when I'm agitated, it can really take me down a level or two.

If I'm in the mood for vocals, it's Handel's Messiah.

Attachment Girl

Yes, of course, that's great Attachment Girl. Thanks for posting.

Shrinklady

River (So Cal, USA)

Shrinklady, right now I have been doing a lot of knitting. I like to do other creative things as well but knitting has been my go-to self-soother for about a year and a half now. Not only is it creatively expressive and challenging but the repetitiveness I find very calming.

When I am really worked up I try to take a nap. When I was having panic attacks a few years ago, taking a nap was the only thing that really allowed my nervous system to "re-boot."

River

Attachment Girl (Syracuse, NY, USA)

One of my favorites has always been picturing myself at the beach. There is something about the immensity of the ocean and how waves are each unique so that it is a new experience but they keep coming in which gives a sense of consistency.

A beach is the most peaceful place I know. I was in the Caribbean on a recent vacation and one day on the beach I literally sat partway in the water in a low slung beach chair and just let myself be.  There was an incredible sensation of my senses opening up; it was a beautiful beach and a beautiful day, very peaceful. And because of recent work in therapy, I was able to achieve a sense of being present and stillness that I don't often have.

So that's one of the places I go when I need to bring things down. If it's really bad, I put my therapist in a chair next to me, just sitting with me so I know he's there but not talking. The thought of his presence is very comforting.

Attachment Girl

Butterfly Warrior (USA)

Some self soothing methods that I have used and use are the following: - Swimming.. floating in the water and using mindfulness strategies.. that is being in the moment of the sensations of the water on me, sun and whatever other things I feel

- Long showers with candles.. I sit on my showerchair and let the water fall on me and focus on the sensations I feel as the water calms my body down.

- i often pray in the shower as well as other places too but the shower is one of my favorite places to meditate about what's happening that's making me feel scattered and bringing my self back together

- sometimes i like to play a game online.. majhong, supergranny, bejweled, something simple but fun or soothing .... a bit of a distraction but a good one

- laying on my side and hugging my safe big teddy bear and feeling its soft fur against my skin...

-When im fed up with people, i try to step back and look at nature.. study flowers, insects, birds chirping, whatever creatures i can see, observe and watch... this often brings me great peace and awe for the universe as well as my place in it.. makes me feel much kinder towards self and others...

- I also enjoy doing art collage, painting, drawing, and writing poetry to help myself reorganize, process, or just zen out the static inside.

Butterfly Warrior

Just Me

Whenever I get wound up I like to remember my experience of swimming with dolphins. I vividly recall their inquisitive gray eyes, their friendly smile, and the taste of salt water in my mouth from the dorsal tow and the splashing contest (which they won). I see the sun dancing on the water while they playfully swim around me as I stroke their smooth skin. I remember their clicking and squeaking noises and the wonderful eye contact they made with me.

I really do believe they WERE smiling at me. They are so peaceful and fun that sometimes when I’ve been especially distressed I imagine swimming away with them. Usually all it takes is a minute before the big smile promenades across my face and I am taken far away from the madness for a while, then I do the butterfly.

Just Me

Shrinklady (Surf City, Vancouver BC, Canada)

I thought I'd start this off with one of my personal self-soothing techniques. In the evening my dog Bobbi likes to get out for a few minutes for some fresh air. Being a pomeranian her undercoat is quite thick so she likes the cool air.

Bobbi helps me interrupt the procedure...so to speak. She helps me let go in my body and of the intensity that I'm prone to when I'm working on my website.

When I get outside I pause and look at the stars. I take a deep breath. Sometimes I do a few hip circles to help me unwind. This little ritual is one of my favourite ways of resourcing.

Shrinklady