We ran a workshop last week that focused on coping skills in times of stress and one of the best and easiest ways to ensure you have reserves to cope with times of stress - is self-care. Taking care of yourself and making sure that your feelings, energy and resources are replenished so that you have the resilience to cope with adversity or times of concern.
But there are healthy coping skills - and unhealthy ones! And often the differentiation is not that clear. Learning how to make yourself feel better in a way that actually produces a replenishment of your emotions and resources - takes time and intent!
Take time out to soothe yourself when you’re faced with difficulties:
When your day is becoming stressful and you’re feeling anxious
When your emotions feel like they’re taking over and making you on edge
When you’re exhausted and just feel like you’ve had enough
When you have bad news or heartache
When you find yourself thinking about or wanting to act in a self-destructive way
When you feel hyper-sensitive and defensive
Everyone will find different ways to self-soothe - you need to work out the right way for you. It may be just one thing that is your ‘go-to’ escape - or you may prefer a combination of different options. If you’re not sure, pick a few from the list below and give them a try. Find your favourite and then use it whenever you need to self-soothe or desensitise….
Most importantly - include others in this practice - especially your children!
