4 Healthy and Helpful Self-Soothing Techniques
4 Healthy and Helpful Self-Soothing Techniques
Many people don’t know what to do once they start feeling stressed, anxious, or down. This leads some to utilize unhealthy coping mechanisms to experience quick relief. For those that don’t suffer from substance use disorder, this is simply not the best decision to make. For those that suffer from addiction, though, it can be detrimental and dangerous.
If you are feeling stressed consider self-soothing techniques.
What is Self-Soothing?
Self-soothing is a form of personal care that involves the use of techniques that root the individual in the moment and help them to find quick relief in a positive and healthy way. This is often used in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) but can be used to help people that aren’t actively receiving DBT treatment.
4 Healthy and Helpful Self-Soothing Techniques
There are a lot of outstanding self-soothing techniques you can take advantage of starting today! Below are 4 healthy and helpful self-soothing techniques that will bring you back to the present moment and provide relief during turbulent times…
1. Sensory Engagement
There are a lot of ways to engage your senses. By engaging your senses, you can focus on these senses and how you experience them in the present. Some sensory engagement exercises include:
· Lighting and smelling a candle
· Touching something soft
· Petting an animal
· Taking a warm bath
2. Movement
Engaging your body is a good way to root yourself in the present. To do this, you can:
· Stretch
· Practice yoga
· Go for a walk
· Exercise
3. Mindful Breathing
Sometimes simply taking a moment to focus on your breathing can give you the relief you need. Consider breathing in for five seconds, holding, then breathing out for five seconds. Do this as long as you need. Eventually, you’ll begin to relax and regulate.
4. Meditation
Meditation is an excellent way to experience the present moment and accept your current situation. It isn’t about running away; instead, it’s about accepting and letting go. Meditation helps you to see your present situation for what it is, not focus on the future, and understand what is in your control.
Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
There are some unhealthy coping mechanisms that people can rely on to “escape” and “treat” their anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. These often include:
· Drinking
· Using drugs
· Binge eating
· Excessive video game playing
· Gambling
· And other behaviors
If you find you cannot break away from using these behaviors to address your emotions, consider contacting Front Door Health.
We’re Here to Help!
Front Door Health is a mental health and substance use treatment provider that offers in-home services. If you believe you are suffering from a mental health disorder or addiction, we can send out a specialist to your home to speak with you and diagnose any mental health, substance use, or process addiction disorders. If it is determined that you are suffering from substance use or process addiction, we can enroll you in our treatment program.
Our outstanding addiction specialists and mental health providers provide in-home treatment, so patients are able to receive the help they need without taking time off or disrupting their daily routines.
Reach out to Front Door Health today for support. We’d be happy to answer any questions and get you started on your road to recovery.
info@frontdoorhealthcenter.com
