You Need To Calm Down: Learn to Self Soothe & Be Your Own Peace

We all get caught in the whirlwind of stress, chaos, and anxiety. But what if you could learn how to calm yourself down, center your energy, and find peace in any storm? Self-soothing techniques are your personal tools to bring yourself back to balance when everything feels out of control. This blog is going to teach you practical ways to reduce stress, avoid overwhelm, and find your inner peace.

Actionable Steps:

1. Breathing/Breathwork Techniques

   • What to do: Take a moment to pause and engage in deep breathing exercises. Try Box Breathing (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4) or 4-7-8 Breathing (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8).
   • Why it works: Breathwork calms the nervous system, bringing more oxygen to your body and helping you focus. It's an easy yet powerful way to take control of your reactions.

2. Engage Your Senses

   • What to do: Find a quiet space and pay attention to each of your senses. Look around for five things you can see, listen for four sounds, feel three textures, smell two scents, and taste one flavor.
   • Why it works: This grounding technique helps you stay present, shifting your focus away from stress and anxiety. Using your senses brings you back to the moment and away from the chaos of your mind.

3. Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique)

   • What to do: Tap gently on acupressure points on your face and body while repeating calming phrases, such as “Even though I’m feeling anxious, I choose to relax.”
   • Why it works: Tapping has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress, helping to balance the body's energy system and calm the mind.

4. Music Therapy

   • What to do: Create a playlist of soothing music that makes you feel at ease. Try classical music, instrumental sounds, or nature sounds.
   • Why it works: Music can shift your emotional state and improve your mood. The right tune can relax your mind, lower your stress levels, and help your body unwind.

5. Art Therapy

   • What to do: Grab a sketchbook, journal, or painting supplies and express your emotions through creative activities. Don’t worry about the end result—just focus on the process of creating.
   • Why it works: Art can serve as an emotional release, allowing you to externalize your feelings in a safe and non-judgmental space.

6. Nature Therapy

   • What to do: Take a walk in nature, even if it’s just to a nearby park or your backyard. Breathe deeply, listen to the sounds, and connect with the natural world around you.
   • Why it works: Nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Being outdoors calms the mind, lowers blood pressure, and increases feelings of well-being.

7. Yoga

   • What to do: Try a gentle yoga routine with slow movements and focus on your breath. Use poses like Child's Pose or Downward Dog to stretch and relax.
   • Why it works: Yoga releases tension from the body and promotes mindfulness. The physical movement combined with mindful breathing creates a sense of calm and relaxation.

8. Letting Go of Worry

   • What to do: Practice mindfulness or meditation to observe your thoughts without judgment. When worrying thoughts come up, simply acknowledge them and let them pass.
   • Why it works: Worrying only adds to stress. Learning to redirect your thoughts and live in the present moment can significantly reduce anxiety.

Closing Thoughts:
When life feels overwhelming, remember that you have the power to create peace within yourself. By incorporating these self-soothing techniques into your daily routine, you’ll be better equipped to manage stress and find calm in the midst of chaos. Start small, and remember, self-soothing is a practice—it gets easier the more you do it.