David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Surviving a Crisis with Self-Soothing
Christy Matta
March 20, 2010
When you?re feeling overwhelmed and stressed, be kind, gentle, and comforting to yourself.
VISION: Look at things that make you feel calm and soothed, like? stars, clouds, sunsets, sunrises, trees, artwork, posters, paintings, flowers, birds, watch the ocean, watch a fire in a fireplace, nice houses, dream catchers, glass animal figurines, stained glass, fish tanks, fireworks, art books, comic books, waves, the beach, architecture, lakes, pictures of family, dolphins.
SMELL: Smell things that are comforting to you, like? cold air, cookouts, incense, scented candles, campfire, salt air at the beach, bubble bath, lotions, baby smell, clean blankets, sheets, and clothes, rain, shampoo, favorite foods, soap, flowers, roses, deodorant, powder, wood burning, soda (root beer, grape, orange), tea, potpourri, popcorn, a pillow.
HEARING: Listen to things that make you feel calm and gentle, like? music, chimes, opera, soft rock (Rod Steward?Faith of Heart), Oldies, dolphins, classical music, 80?s music, birds in back yard, Celine Dion, Moody Blues, sounds of fans, being read to by others, tapping of typing, water falls, frogs.
TASTE: Taste things that are comforting, like? pudding, ice cream, herbal tea, chocolate, favorite meal, favorite soda, fried eggplant, seltzer, strawberries, tic tacs, chocolate cake, chocolate chip cookies, spaghetti, shimp, lobster, Popsicles, potato chips, brownies, a snowflake, pizza, Peanut Butter and Jelly, toothpaste.
TOUCH: Touch things that are comforting and soothing, like?petting a cat or dog, running hands under warm water, bubble bath, running fingers through clean hair, pillow, sitting in a recliner, hot bath, laying on satin/ silk sheets, hot shower, cool water on face, comfortable clothes/ silk, walking on the beach (sand and waves), fuzzy blanket, soaking feet.
Sometimes when we?re stressed and overwhelmed, we forget to take care of ourselves. Giving yourself time to self-soothe will increase your ability to manage and function during times of stress.
Christy Matta
March 20, 2010
When you?re feeling overwhelmed and stressed, be kind, gentle, and comforting to yourself.
VISION: Look at things that make you feel calm and soothed, like? stars, clouds, sunsets, sunrises, trees, artwork, posters, paintings, flowers, birds, watch the ocean, watch a fire in a fireplace, nice houses, dream catchers, glass animal figurines, stained glass, fish tanks, fireworks, art books, comic books, waves, the beach, architecture, lakes, pictures of family, dolphins.
SMELL: Smell things that are comforting to you, like? cold air, cookouts, incense, scented candles, campfire, salt air at the beach, bubble bath, lotions, baby smell, clean blankets, sheets, and clothes, rain, shampoo, favorite foods, soap, flowers, roses, deodorant, powder, wood burning, soda (root beer, grape, orange), tea, potpourri, popcorn, a pillow.
HEARING: Listen to things that make you feel calm and gentle, like? music, chimes, opera, soft rock (Rod Steward?Faith of Heart), Oldies, dolphins, classical music, 80?s music, birds in back yard, Celine Dion, Moody Blues, sounds of fans, being read to by others, tapping of typing, water falls, frogs.
TASTE: Taste things that are comforting, like? pudding, ice cream, herbal tea, chocolate, favorite meal, favorite soda, fried eggplant, seltzer, strawberries, tic tacs, chocolate cake, chocolate chip cookies, spaghetti, shimp, lobster, Popsicles, potato chips, brownies, a snowflake, pizza, Peanut Butter and Jelly, toothpaste.
TOUCH: Touch things that are comforting and soothing, like?petting a cat or dog, running hands under warm water, bubble bath, running fingers through clean hair, pillow, sitting in a recliner, hot bath, laying on satin/ silk sheets, hot shower, cool water on face, comfortable clothes/ silk, walking on the beach (sand and waves), fuzzy blanket, soaking feet.
Sometimes when we?re stressed and overwhelmed, we forget to take care of ourselves. Giving yourself time to self-soothe will increase your ability to manage and function during times of stress.
