Self soothing Skills

Hi,

First i want to say how nice it is to see this forum being used. I check on it semi regularly and there were never many posts. It is nice to see people using this forum to help each other.

It a couple of the reccent posts people have talked about self soothing skills. This is the first time i have heard this term. I have looked it up online and have the idea. My question to you is...

What ways do you self sooth?


thanks
Catnip

Hi Catnip,
I have a variety of self-soothing skills in my arsenal.

1. Deep breathing exercises
2. Visualization exercises
3. Journaling
4. Physical Exercises
5. Crochet/Knit
6. Read a meditation book
7. Read my Coping Cards
8. Prayer

I have more, but these are my regular activities.  I must do these on a regular basis, not just in a crisis. 

Good Luck,
Trish

When I start feeling out-of-sorts, the first thing I do is to pick up my phone and call my sponsor and friends/mentors, that always works.  I also read, meditate, pray and write.  I have found that there are small phrases (ex:  one day at a time, take it easy, etc.) that really slow my head & heart rate down.

Exercise
A hot bath
A guided meditation or visualization
Beading