Self-Soothing with Smells

And so we have reached "smell", the last of our five senses for self-soothing!  Since smells can be powerfully linked to memories, it is important to think carefully about which fragrances and aromas are soothing for you as an individual, and which can be triggering and remind you of sad or difficult times.  You may choose to use smells that remind you of happy times, good people, or lovely places, or just fragrances you find pleasing.

Here are some more ideas.

Now you have self-soothing ideas for all of the senses you can pick and choose which work best in which situations or for specific moods for you.  You may find the most effective self-soothing activities combine senses, for example, taking a scented bubble bath, or lying on the grass in the park where you can watch the clouds, feel the sun on your skin, and listen to the birds.

What works best for you?

I hope to see you again soon.

The Bear 

xXx

Self-Soothing with Vision

One of the many ways we can make ourselves feel better when things are tough is by looking at or watching something which is either soothing or enjoyable.  For some people, this might be watching the clouds drift by, and for others it might be watching a dance performance or a favourite television show.  There are many ways to self-soothe using vision.

Here are some more ideas.

You can also self-soothe with touch, sounds, taste, and smell.

Why not make a list of the most effective techniques for you?

I hope to see you again soon.

The Bear 

xXx

Self-soothing with Touch

Today's post continues the topic of self-soothing with the senses, and focuses on touch.  How much we like to be touched by other people can be variable, with some people being very tactile and affectionate, and others quite reserved with a need for a lot of personal space.  We might also enjoy physical contact when we are in some moods but not others.

Fortunately, self-soothing with touch does not necessarily involve physical contact with others.  It may be more about sensations on our skin from nature (e.g. the sun or rain) or from caring for ourselves (e.g. by applying moisturiser or having a shower).

Here are some other ways to self-soothe with touch.

Why not check out how to self-soothe with taste or sound?

Check back for more posts on self-soothing with the senses.

The Bear 

xXx

Self-Soothing with Sound

Self-soothing involves applying techniques we have learned to help us feel better when we are distressed, depressed, anxious, or angry.  Some of us are already very good at self-soothing, but others have not yet found helpful ways to feel better or struggle to give themselves permission to do so.

Self-soothing using our senses can be very effective.  Check here for ways to self-soothe with taste and check back for future posts to find ways to self-soothe with other senses.

Today's brief post focuses on sound.

Here is a brief list of ways you can self-soothe with sound.

Make a list of your own ideas and favourites and put it somewhere you'll notice it when you're having a hard time so you can give self-soothing with sound a try.

I hope this has been helpful.

Check back for self-soothing with vision.

The Bear 

xXx