Mindfulness practice is 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 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-soothe techniques that you can try to stay calm and grounded using your senses. For today, we are focusing on your sense of touch.
Physical Self-Love
Give yourself a hug! Place your right hand across your heart and put your palm against your body with your hand under your armpit. Take your left arm across the body towards the right and hold your own deltoid or upper arm close to your shoulder for a calming self-hug! This type of touch can give you self-reassurance and boost your self-confidence, too.
Petting your Pet
Petting your furry friend can actually relax you and be soothing because of the texture of their hair or fur. This method is great because not only are you self-soothing, but you are giving your pet the attention that they, too, crave. In addition to this, it can lower your blood pressure, help your body release a relaxation hormone, and cut down on levels of a stress.
Affection from a Loved One
Physical touch increases levels of dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters that help regulate your mood as well as help your body relieve stress and anxiety. Whether you live with a family member, a friend, or your partner, it is always reassuring to both yourself and the other person to show affection.