45 Self-Soothing Techniques to Calm Anxiety + Stress

During times of stress, emotions tend to run high and you'll not desire yourself. this will be true if you struggle with anxiety or are feeling overwhelmed by the surface world. Self-soothing techniques help to manage your emotions and convey you back to a calmer state again.
A few months back, I wrote a full Grounding Techniques Guide and listed some self-soothing tips therein post. I wanted to expand on the subject because there's such a lot more to cover!

As a whole, self-soothing and grounding are closely tied to at least one another. Grounding techniques assist you to remain within the here and now and self-soothing specifically focuses on your emotions.

When I first started counseling, self-soothing techniques helped to ease my anxiety. I’d have moments of high panic where I couldn’t stop crying. It’d cause my whole body to shake.
When things need to that level, I’d feel as if I lost a way of control. My counselor taught me tons of healthy and straightforward ways to affect my emotions.



Even just taking walks to the lake and searching out at the sky brought me more peace. I’d believe how Lake Michigan seemed endless and the way nice the grass felt on my toes within the summer. to the present day, I still use similar self-soothing techniques to calm my anxiety.

Self-soothing (or coping) strategies are how to manage your emotions during stressful times. If you’re feeling upset or near burnout, it’s good to possess some go-to techniques to relax your body and mind.

Having healthy coping methods you'll do on your own will assist you call at your self care journey. They also are available handy if panic comes on suddenly and all of sudden . It’s crucial to notice that self-soothing doesn’t replace reaching bent your network .

Staying connected to the people you're keen on is a crucial a part of taking care of your psychological state and wellbeing. But consider these skills as just another “tool” in your self care carpenter's kit .

Here are 50 Self-Soothing Techniques to alleviate Stress + Calm Anxiety! I’ve categorized them via the 5 senses!


De-Stress with the Senses

A helpful thanks to relax your body and mind is to specialise in the five senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing. this is often probably one among the only approaches to categorizing and finding self-soothing techniques that employment for you.

Everyone is different, so believe the items that bring you peace during stressful periods. You’ll find that what works for you'll not work for somebody else. Also, remember that a number of the activities will overlap when it involves the varied senses and that’s okay!
Sight

1. Hang up old photographs.

Print out your favorite photos and hang them up. you'll even DIY a photograph wall as how to recall a number of your best memories! 

2. Draw an image of your favorite place.

What’s a location meaning tons to you? Grab some colored pencils, crayons, or markers and begin drawing! If you've got paint, you'll even work on a painting of your favorite place!

3. Start a gratitude list.

Write down a gratitude list featuring a number of your favorite things.

4. Download a nature app for daily walks.

Take in all of the sights as you walk around your neighborhood. What does one see? There also are helpful apps you'll use to understand the character around you, like Leafsnap! 

5. Make a themed collage on Canva.

Canva may be a free graphic design tool you'll use to make digital art projects! Start a photograph collage design on the location by producing a number of your favorite photos and sayings. you'll even make a themed collage supported your favorite color, your general mood, place, etc.

6. Stargaze and appearance for constellations. 

Stargazing is usually relaxing. Grab a blanket and just search at the sky or consider downloading a constellation app. i really like SkyView and Star Walk 2: Night Sky! 

7. Daydream.

Allow yourself to shut your eyes and luxuriate in a stunning daydream. 

8. Follow a guided meditation.

Guided meditation may be a useful gizmo to ease anxiety and assist you stay within the here and now . think about using meditation apps or following guided meditation videos on YouTube!

9. Take a drive with the windows open.

Go for a drive and just enjoy the scenery with the windows opened. 


10. Work on a mindfulness journal.

Use a mindfulness workbook to calm anxiety and stress. A Year of Mindfulness is an awesome choice because it's plenty of daily writing prompts!


11. Light an aromatherapy candle.

Candles definitely have a relaxing effect, especially if it’s a soothing scent like lavender or vanilla. i like to recommend B&BW’s candles, and love their Aromatherapy line. Yankee candles also smell amazing!

12. Bake sweet bread.

There’s something comforting about the aroma of fresh bread warming up your kitchen. This recipe for homemade quick bread is AMAZING! 

13. Buy fresh flowers.

Flowers will lift your mood and convey the peaceful presence of nature indoors. 

14. Enjoy the smell of nature.

When you leave for a walk or are sitting in your backyard, close your eyes and take a deep breath. absorb the stunning scents of nature: freshly cut grass, trees, flowers, etc.

15. Make freshly brewed coffee within the morning.

Start your time off with the incredible scent of freshly brewed coffee within the morning! 

16. Find your favorite scent.

Ask yourself: what's your all-time favorite scent? What aromas cause you to feel calm, happy, and cozy? Personally, i am keen on warmer scents like cinnamon, vanilla, and coconut.

17. Use a diffuser.

Diffusers and essential oils are another useful self-soothing tool for aromatherapy. 

18. Open your windows and inhale fresh air.

Calming anxiety through smell are often as simple as opening your window for fresh air. Keep them opened for a touch to air out your home . As you’re doing this, take a couple of deep breaths: in and out, in and out. 

19. Ask yourself: what does home smell like?

Reflect on what “home” smells like for you.
For me, i feel of my grandpa’s favorite Italian coffee that he’d brew every morning growing up. I also believe the aroma of my Nonna’s spaghetti sauce on Sundays and therefore the earthy scent of Lake Michigan. Close your eyes and picture that “homey” scent for a short time.

20. placed on lotion.

Pamper yourself by putting on a number of your favorite lotion. As you’re applying it to your skin, keep your mind focused only on the scent of the lotion! What does it smell like? does one just like the scent? What does it remind you of?
Maybe it’s the beach, each day at the park, flowers, sweet treats, rainy days, or a transparent night sky.

21. Wrap yourself up a during a cozy blanket.

Find the comfiest spot on your couch and cuddle up during a warm blanket. Weighted and waffle blankets are an excellent choice for comfort!


22. Snuggle together with your pet.

Give your pet all the snuggles. Because what better thanks to calm anxiety than to cuddle your BFF? 

23. Give yourself a massage.

If you’re feeling tense, try giving yourself a massage. Here are some self-massage tips you'll go for relaxation. I also found this self-massage and meditation for anxiety video super helpful!

24. Use relaxing bath products.

Soak during a bubblebath as a “spa day” reception . attempt to incorporate products for relaxation specifically, whether you’re using soap or a shower bomb!

25. Notice different objects and textures.

Take a flash to concentrate to and appreciate the various textures around you. What does one notice? for instance , I’m sitting on my couch immediately scripting this post. I’m noticing the comfy texture of a blanket on my lap and therefore the carpet underneath my feet.

26. Hug yourself or someone you're keen on .

Sounds cheesy, but give yourself the most important hug. It’s a pleasant thanks to show like to yourself. Plus, hugging is sweet for your health!

Also, hug someone you're keen on and are grateful to possess in your life! Close your eyes and feel the comfort of their warm embrace.

27. cotton up in freshly clean sheets.

Freshly clean laundry is usually extra soft and smells amazing! Clean your sheets, snuggle up, and relax for a touch before bed!

28. Wear soft and cozy fabric.

Pick out a comfortable outfit you'll rock all day long. Some ideas are leggings, an oversized tee, biker shorts, a sports bra, and overalls!

29. Make your own de-stress dough.

Using a stress ball or play-dough is an efficient thanks to self-soothe and calm anxiety. you'll even make your own de-stress dough without much hassle!

30. Follow a restorative yoga video.

There are numerous restorative yoga videos you'll choose between on Youtube. My favorite one immediately is that this 30-Minute exercise from POPSUGAR Fitness!

31. Sit under a tree and feel the grass against your toes.

Relax your mind by closing your eyes, absorbing the sun, and feeling the grass against your toes.

32. Try a tea subscription box.

A cup of tea after an extended day features a way of soothing the soul — it’s such a pleasant pick-me-up! provides a subscription box a try as how to taste different tea varieties! Sips By seems like a very fantastic option, but there are numerous tea subscriptions to settle on from!

33. Make a comforting home-cooked meal.

What is your favorite food? search a recipe online and make a comforting home-cooked meal! I’m a Mac & Cheese lover and recently found this delicious recipe by Tornadough Alli!

34. Cook up a healthy snack.

Make sure you’re taking care of your body by loading abreast of nutrient-rich foods. meaning a colourful assortment of veggies, fruits, protein, and other healthy options! for a few inspiration, inspect this list of fifty Foods that Are Super Healthy!

35. Eat a bit of bittersweet chocolate .

Munch on some yummy bittersweet chocolate (or any dessert you enjoy!) concentrate to its texture, richness, and fully enjoy the experience! 

36. Chew gum.

If you’re feeling anxious, chew on a bit of gum. attempt to focus only on your chewing for a touch as how to distract yourself from external stressors. you'll also always choose sugar-free gum as a healthier variety!

37. Ask yourself: what are top 5 favorite foods?

Think of some food you actually enjoy and begin a recipe book featuring your favorite meals!

38. Use fresh herbs while cooking.

If possible, use fresh herb while cooking up dinner. you'll even grow a touch conservatory with herbs like basil, parsley and chives!


39. Try a food that calms anxiety.

Incorporate foods that help with anxiety into your diet like yogurt, avocado, and nuts!

40. Eat slowly and mindfully, with none distractions.

Practice mindful eating by really taking the time to enjoy your food. Chew slowly, notice the various textures and flavors, and switch off any electronic distractions. Even eating dinner without the TV on makes an enormous difference!


41. hear relaxing ambient sounds on YouTube.

What are some sounds that soothe your soul? Maybe it’s rain patterning against your window pane, traffic sounds, or ocean waves crashing against the shore. Bring those calming elements to you by search ambient sounds on Youtube!
There are numerous to settle on from and you'll play them within the background as a self-soothing technique.

42. Call up someone you're keen on .

Sometimes it’s comforting just to listen to a well-known and friendly voice. Schedule a while out of your day to offer someone you're keen on a call!

43. hear birds chirp outside.

Surrounding yourself within the sounds of nature may be a wonderful self-soothing technique. Grab a cup of coffee, knitting supplies, or maybe an honest book and hear the birds chirping outside!

44. placed on headphones and obtain lost within the music.

Listen to a replacement song (or an old favorite!) and just stray within the beautiful sound of music.

45. Make a “Top 20” of your all-time favorite songs.

Have you ever listened to a song that brings you back to a cheerful , unforgettable moment? Maybe it’s not even a flash in time necessarily, but just a general feeling.
Make a Top 20 Playlist of songs that do this for you! I recently made my personal “Top 20” playlist for free of charge on Spotify!

I hope you enjoyed this post, lovelies! Have an incredible remainder of your day! x


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