Some self soothing techniques:
- bubble bath
- long, hot shower
- listen to music; may be a particular song
- polish your car
- exercise; run, lift weights; take a bike-ride
- play guitar or other instrument
- cook or bake (we’re talking about the process here; be careful not to over-use food itself for self-soothing!)
- spend time with your pet
- play with a child
- go for a walk
- a smell that you found comforting in childhood
- call a friend
- lie on the ground and watch the clouds or look at the stars
- clean
- go to the movies
- sit quietly and look out the window
- sit in a church and meditate
- self-talk: Self-talk is probably the most useful and versatile of all self-soothing strategies. It involves literally talking yourself through your uncomfortable feeling state. You can do it quietly, on your own, within your own mind, so you can do it in public, in a meeting or on a train. Remind yourself of simple, honest truths which will help you keep things in perspective. Here are some examples of things you can say to yourself:
“It’s only a feeling, and feelings don’t last forever”
“You know you’re a good person”
“You know you meant well”
“You tried your best, and it didn’t work out”
“Just wait it out”