Troubled times and self-soothing go hand in hand. What does that mean?

There’s a lot of ‘gumph’ on social media about self-care and self-soothing. What do you do that ‘looks like’ as the saying goes today, self soothing. I prefer to ask myself, what can I do today, right now, in this moment, that is caring for myself?

Coming from a legacy of putting others before my own needs at almost all times, I find self soothing and self care novel. Now that I increasingly see what the benefits are, I realise I’m happier because I understand why it’s not selfish. It might seem selfish to another. However, without sufficient rest, downtime, doing ‘nice things’ for self, making that appointment for that niggling health issue, stopping to rest when needed and so on, self-ish goes out the window.

It’s often said one cannot give effectively to others without taking care of self. Naturally we take care of ourselves in certain ways. We eat, sleep, earn an income, and so. It’s more than that, though. It’s about prioritizing self. And once one’s own bucket is full, then giving to others can be done without draining one’s own reserves.

Self-soothing merges with self care. An easy way to access what works for me is to think of the five senses: sight, sound touch, taste, smell. In fact, a quick visit to my nearest doctor, Dr Google, assures me this is exactly what self-soothing is about!

Reading – Sight

How can reading soothe? Easily, if one allows self to be absorbed in the story. With the mind creating visual imagery that brings the narrative alive on an inner movie screen, it is a festival of self-care! So long as the topic, or the book of choice is based in the positive, it can be a pleasurable ride into wonderland.

Sound – Music

Listening to music, whether classical, jazz, meditative, or any other genre; or playing a musical instrument – flute, piano, drums – whatever appeals, can bring one deep into a restful space within. I’ve tinkered on the piano, dabbled with the flute, briefly strummed a guitar and had a drummer in the household. Yet it is others’ renditions of pieces that I enjoy the most. Quiet mood music, a piano played well, the haunting notes of a pan flute, just ot name a few instruments, bring much pleasure.

For some, like one of my brothers, music is the go-to. It calms the mind and has a trickle effect into the heart. In letting self become absorbed in the beauty of the sounds – whatever one’s taste, there is a ‘switching off’, a ‘sense of calm’ to be had.

Touch – Craft

A love of craft, of doing something, of creating, can be a huge investment into self-care, self-soothing. It can be sitting quietly at a sewing machine; crocheting a baby’s jacket; knitting a scarf; recycling tea-bag strings into stunning designer garments that are one-offs, (a unique up-cycling craft I learnt about only this weekend while conversing at a party)- These few examples barely scratch the surface of this vast field. I have a room filled with fabric, haberdashery, sewing machines and books of ideas with the potential to provide endless hours of pleasure!

Taste – A delicious soothing cup of tea or coffee!

A long standing favorite, though I must say I’ve recently cut down on the caffeine! Self soothing with delicious drinks or a something delectable to eat is an easy way to go. Sharing a fun occasion over ‘a cuppa’ is just as delightful.

Smell – Seaside Walks

The ocean is a blessing! Breathing fresh sea air into the body is a sure recipe for calming the system. The feel of sand slipping between one’s toes; the rush of cool as the water washes over one’s feet; the sound of seagulls circling nearby – all are gifts of mother nature that soothe the senses.

Being exposed to natural sunlight carries a multitude of benefits. With proper SPF protection, the sun gives you a good dose of vitamin D, which can help fight depression as well as instruct the cells in your gut to absorb calcium and phosphorus — two minerals that are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones and preventing osteoporosis. according to science based benefits of living by the ocean.

There’s vastly more ways to ‘stop and smell the roses’ than I could ever enumerate.

Whatever your way, it is worth it’s weight in gold, having a few trick up one’s sleeve, for that odd day when out of sorts or deeply troubled. A little bit of self love goes a long way. It spills over to others. There’s no need to give before receiving! Be kind to self, first.

How do you self-soothe?

I’d love to hear how you self soothe. Please let me know by clicking here and scrolling to the end of the post for the comments box.

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