| Some days life can just feel like "it's all too much." | | | | Soothing scents: Light some scented candles, or |
| The daily news, difficult relationships, job stress, | | | | use essential oils in a diffuser (try lavender, lemon, |
| health problems and parenthood can all feel like | | | | ylang ylang or rose.) |
| they are putting more demands on our system | | | | Move Your Body: When you're feeling blue or |
| than we can cope with. It can seem like feeling | | | | overwhelmed, you're less likely to feel like moving |
| good (emotionally OR physically) is next to | | | | your body; ironically this is probably the time when |
| impossible! It's during times like these that many | | | | it would benefit you the most! Try a short walk |
| of us are tempted to turn to self-destructive | | | | or a few minutes on the yoga mat. You may find |
| behaviours (like drinking too much alcohol, | | | | that once you start moving you find yourself |
| overeating, or picking fights with loved ones) as | | | | enjoying it, and end up doing more than you |
| ways to cope with everything life has thrown our | | | | planned. |
| way. While these actions may make you feel | | | | Inspirational videos or CDs: I have a stack of |
| better for a short while, in the end you're likely to | | | | Abraham-Hicks CDs that I keep around to put on |
| end up regretting these choices. The good news | | | | when I feel like I'm starting to "lose it". If I'm |
| is there are a lot of other ways to soothe | | | | working on the computer, I may jump over to |
| yourself that will help you start to feel better | | | | YouTube and watch one of their videos for a |
| immediately, and will continue to support your | | | | quick pick-me-up. This works great for me, but |
| mental, emotional, and physical health over the | | | | for my husband would be a form of self-torture. |
| long term. | | | | If Abe's not your thing, find something else that |
| If you're anything like me, part of the problem is | | | | inspires you and remember to pull it out when |
| that once you get into a funk, the more creative | | | | you need it! |
| part of your brain seems to shut down, and it's | | | | Reading: Getting lost in a good book is a |
| difficult to think of anything useful to do to help | | | | self-soothing strategy I've used since early |
| yourself. That's why I keep a handy list of ideas | | | | childhood. Fortunately there are so many books |
| around to pull out when I need a boost! Here (in | | | | coming out these days that there will always be |
| no particular order) are some of my favourite | | | | something new and exciting to check out, no |
| self-supportive soothing activities: | | | | matter what your favourite genre. |
| Music: Music is such a powerful mood booster. It's | | | | Take a nap: Sometimes a little extra rest is all |
| so easy to put some on and it's an almost instant | | | | you really need to feel well-balanced again. If you |
| soother. Make a playlist of your favourite musical | | | | know you've been pushing yourself too hard, tuck |
| soothers on your Ipod or computer for some | | | | yourself into bed for a mid-afternoon nap. If you |
| "touch of a button" relief! | | | | can't do this during the work week, treat yourself |
| Hobbies: When you're feeling down is probably not | | | | on the weekend. I guarantee you life will seem |
| the time to go looking for a new hobby; I've | | | | rosier when you wake up! |
| found a lot of comfort in engaging in a familiar | | | | Snuggle someone: Go find a kid or a pet to cuddle |
| one. Knitting, playing a musical instrument, making | | | | up with. |
| bread, painting, or building models are all examples | | | | Be a kid: Remember all those fun games you |
| of hobbies that can be extremely soothing to the | | | | used to play as a kid? They're still fun now. If |
| spirit. As an added bonus, you get the satisfaction | | | | you're all alone, try pattern puzzle games like |
| of creating something! | | | | Rush Hour, or a game of solitaire (play it with real |
| Nature: Connecting with the natural world seems | | | | cards, not on the computer.) If you've got a |
| to have magical restorative powers for most | | | | playing partner or two handy, break out the |
| people. Watch the birds at the feeder or birdbath, | | | | Yahtzee, Backgammon, Sorry and Clue. |
| dig around in the garden, or go for a hike in the | | | | Do a few rounds of EFT: EFT and other forms of |
| woods. | | | | Meridian Tapping are a great way to help yourself |
| Find something to laugh about: We've all heard the | | | | feel more calm and relaxed. If you're not yet |
| saying "laughter is the best medicine", and for | | | | familiar with this technique, you can learn the |
| good reason! I have a stash of go-to movies to | | | | basics in just a few minutes. features a complete |
| pull out when I need a good dose of silliness (50 | | | | section on how to use this versatile tool! You will |
| First Dates, When Harry Met Sally, Just Like | | | | also find many videos on YouTube demonstrating |
| Heaven, School of Rock, and the Steve Martin | | | | this technique. |
| Lily Tomlin classic, All of Me). Humorous books and | | | | For a maximum dose of self-soothing, pull out all |
| stand-up comedy DVDs by comedians who tickle | | | | the stops and combine a few of these into an |
| your funny bone are other excellent choices for | | | | Ultimate Self-Soothing Experience. Take a hot |
| some "laughter therapy". | | | | bath with essential oils while listening to music and |
| Water: A good long hot bath or shower is at the | | | | reading a funny book, take a walk on a nature |
| top of my list when I need a pick-me-up! | | | | trail while listening to an inspirational talk on your |
| Hot beverages: Curling up with a hot cup of | | | | Ipod, or snuggle up on the couch with a kid and a |
| coffee, tea or hot cocoa is something you can | | | | dog while watching a funny movie and sipping hot |
| take a few minutes to do even in the midst of | | | | cocoa. |
| one of those "crazy" days. If you tend to overdo | | | | I hope this list inspires you to find some new and |
| it with caffeine, an herbal tea might be the best | | | | creative ways to find your "feel good" again! |
| option for you. | | | | |