Mindfulness – a way of maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment through a gentle, nurturing lens. Self-soothing techniques help you calm yourself and relax when you are feeling overwhelmed both physically and emotionally. They help you to “regulate” so that you can feel like yourself again. There are several self-soothing techniques you can try to stay calm and grounded using your senses. For this article, we are focusing on your sense of smell. Keep reading to find out about different smell techniques you can use to self-soothe!
Light a Candle
If you have ever wondered why people tend to light candles while they meditate, this is the reason! Smelling a refreshing or calming scent can actually help you relax. You do not have to be doing yoga or a form of meditation to practice this method of self-soothing – in fact, this is a form of meditation within itself. Light a candle, be mindful, and relax.
Spray your Favorite Perfume
Have you have picked up a whiff of your favorite perfume and it mentally sent you to a particularly happy time in your life? If so, this method might be great for you. Spray your favorite perfume on your wrist, take a whiff, and mentally vacation off to your happy place.
Cook a Meal
Cooking can actually be quite a calming activity within itself – especially if you are indulging in a great, satisfying meal after you are done – but that is a self-soothe article for a different day. The aroma that is created while cooking actually activates your sensory nerves that connect to your brain and calm you down.
Spray Air Freshener
Air freshener is a great way to practice self-soothing using your sense of smell, and it comes in a variety of different scents. Lavender air freshener is known to activate feelings of relaxation and even reduce feelings of depression and anxiety within individuals. Pick some up today from your local supermarket and make your house smell lavender-y fresh!