Self Soothing
We all have moments when we feel that our mind is disturbed or feeling irritated. It is good not to react without thinking. We can instead respond mindfully by tuning into the senses, also called self-soothing. This can be a valuable skill to practice to reduce stress.
Participation question:
- How do you self-soothe?
- What questions could you ask yourself to calm down?
For example: “will this current situation really matter in 5 years?”
Helpful Video:
Helpful Resources:
Self-soothing strategies to help break a chain of anxious thoughts quickly
Seeking Help
Mental stress can cause us not to be able to see the good things in life and lead to excessive rumination or worries which can result in serious health problems. If you have serious, long-term problems with negative thinking and feeling depressed, see your doctor or talk to a therapist if they are related to any mental challenges.
Are you looking for a therapist? 7 Cups has online, certified therapists with a paid option. For more information on what happens in online therapy at 7 Cups, Read Lisa’s (a therapist and director of therapy) explanation
https://www.7cups.com/forum/therapy/General_2432/WeveLaunchedTalkTherapyon7Cups_319430/
To apply for 7 Cups online therapy, click on this link https://www.7cups.com/online-therapy/?ob=1
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@amiablePeace77
I love this topic! Thank you for making the post. The attached video is also great.
@Hope
Glad you like it and thanks for the feedback.
@amiablePeace77 to self sooth i like to light candles, out on my mood lamp and listen to soothing music, if I can otherwise I hide under my duvet and cry alot. I'm not sure how to control my mindset, or what I can say to change things. I guess what helps me most is 7 cups ❤
@Tinywhisper11
I'm glad that coming to 7cups helps you. A mood lamps and music sound helpful!
This is something that I find helpful to create a positive mindset " I choose to let go of negative self-talk and limiting beliefs", "I am worthy of love and respect" or "I choose to see the beauty and goodness in myself and others".
@amiablePeace77 ok Thank you ❤
@amiablePeace77
- How do you self-soothe? Take a nap or meditate or chant.
- What questions could you ask yourself to calm down? How did I get through this before.
@soulsings
Reflecting on what helped before is a good idea!
What a great post, an important thing to think about, and very relevant questions!
Answering your questions:
How do you self-soothe? In the context of the ideas proposed in the video, I use sound and smell mostly. I like classical music, and depending of my mood, I would listen to Bach, Beethoven or Chopin music for example. Piano might be the most calming to me I guess. And smell, any nice scent, even spraying common perfume in the air, helps me calm down.
And depending of the circumstances, many other things, from drinking a lot of water, watching a documentary, to playing a relaxing videogame, like Station to Station or Poly Bridge. These and music engage my mind, "capture" it and rescue it from distressing thoughts and stressful obsessions and worries.
What questions could you ask yourself to calm down? I ask myself "What's bothering me?" "What can I do to feel better?" And this might make me stop and go for the above activities. But first I have to recognize that something is not ok, and that I must do something about it.
Thank you again for your great post!
It helped me to think, prioritize, and might make me more systematic in taking action when I need to calm down.
@amiablePeace77
@HealingTalk
Good that you have variety of ways to self-soothe as not all soothing techniques work for all situations!
I like that you mentioned drinking water. Staying well-hydrated can help regulate our emotions and promote feelings of calmness and relaxation.
@amiablePeace77
Yes, a kind of first-aid kit...
And sure! Sometimes all we need is to drink enough water!
@amiablePeace77. I saw some good ideas for self soothing in the article you posted… self soothing strategies.
@adventurousBranch3786
Great that you found the article helpful!
I'm not sure exactly what works consistently to soothe myself. The stress often feels all pervasive and doesn't really go away. I suppose engaging the senses helps some. Soft blanket, hot chocolate, dark room with string lights or an electric flickering candle to look at, and soothing nature noises or music.
As for what to ask myself, I have no idea.
@Zeraphim
Grounding and getting comfy sounds good. I hope the article will give you some more ideas. I also find talking to myself like a good supportive parent helps. Asking questions like "What do I need right now" "What is truly causing this pain and how can I find comfort again".
I self soothe bu practicing deep breathing, meditating, playing piano and guitar and socializing and walking.
@azureAcres1605 I hear you. Many of those have brought me comfort over the years.
Do you play an instrument or meditate?