Self-care / Self-soothing On-the-go

[Lionheart]

Self-soothing is a great skill to have and I have found plenty of things that I can do at home but not so many things for the times when I am out and about, so I would like to hear suggestions from others as to how best to soothe oneself when away from home.

My idea is to make a 'portable self-soothe kit' to battle not only PTSD and depression but also fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Some of the items I think would be helpful are: A crystal or gemstone, a fluffy rabbit's foot, breathe mints, a bit of chocolate, a journal, a stress ball or squishy toy, essential oil, herb tea bags, a pillow for comfort, aspirin for aches and pains, arch supports for my flat feet, :barefoot: lol and a list of affirmations.

I believe the idea is to include all of the senses; sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing etc. ....to care for oneself, to soothe the anxiety, lighten the depression, and comfort the physical body. I would love to hear what others do to self-soothe while on the go / away from home and hope this will encourage others to make their own portable self-soothe/comfort kits and generate some new ideas. Thanks!

 

[Philippa]

Great thread.

You could also add to the list some beautiful, calming music of your choice. I am listening to some really beautiful, soothing pagan music right now, and it's helped so much.

Rose oil is good to carry around and just dab on whenever, and the bottle is quite small and compact, so it will fit anywhere. I always take crystals with me everywhere I go, whether they are made into jewellery, or I put a few in a pouch for a specific intention.

I like all the suggestions you've given here though.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

If you have a specific scent you love, check out Demeter. They're scents tend to be spot on. I love their honeysuckle. I also love lilac, but their lilac sucks. The best lilac I've ever found was discontinued 15 years ago :( But, most of their stuff is great.

 

[franciemarnie]

I find coloring with colored pencils or crayons soothing - especially filling in with colors I love like blue and green. Puts me in my right brain and gives me a sense that all is well.

 

[Hashi]

For me, wearing a bracelet. At one time, I liked wearing one of those unisex copper bands that are for easing wrist/hand pain.

I carry sticking plasters (band aids/elastoplast). I find symbolic things helpful, so I have been known to stick one over my heart when it hurts.

 

[cat]

I wear a necklace I have made with shells collected with my baby granddaughter. It started off with one shell given to me by my sons when I was going through a horrendous time with my divorce from their father. As time has gone on each time I have achieved something...getting through a difficult therapy session, leaving home without panicking, catching a train, meeting new people & the arrival of my other 5 grandchildren I have added another shell. If I am feeling stressed or anxious I hold on to it & feel the texture of the shells & remember good days. There are quite a few on there now, its always with me & signifies new life & security knowing my family are always with me.

I also carry a toy troll with me, my dad took me to the shop & bought it for me for my 10 th birthday after mum had said I was too old for toys & it was a waste of money.....dad died 16 yrs ago & i miss him so much, he was my rock....my psychologist encouraged me to carry it with me when I felt so empty & alone, 3 yrs on & now i understand what she means about keeping people in your heart. Touching it gives me huge strength when things get tough.

 

[stuff]

I carry lavender essential oil, a smooth stone, and a rough stone. I sometimes use my headphones to block out excessive stimuli when I'm feeling hypervigilant. It sometimes makes things better, but other times I can't stand not being able to hear what's going on around me. Just depends on the situation I guess.

This is a really good idea. I'm going to work on putting together some more things that would help.

 

[Philippa]

Great idea about sticking band-aids over your heart when it's hurting Hashi. I might try that now actually.

 

[Laure]

I also find things that appeal to all the senses grounding and soothing, particularly taste and smell, so I carry around strong mint chewing gum and this fab peppermint lipbalm stuff :) or sometimes for longer days/journeys, mini bottles of mouthwash are really effective too! I also have a pocket watch which I hold up and count along with when I'm feeling really panicky. These are all such good ideas, thank you!

 

[Abstract]

Thanks for sharing everyone. At home my very best is wrapping myself in my soft fluffy blanket.

The other things I find helpful is stroking my hand and arm, tapping my foot or fingers, giving myself a hug, rocking, holding my hand on my solar plexus, putting my hand over my forehead and pushing. I also find scents helpful.

 

[Lionheart]

I am loving all of the input, what great ideas!!! I like music and coloring with crayons or markers and all of the suggestions will be put to good use. I hope to learn more, but wanted to go ahead and thank everyone for sharing!!!

 

[Lionheart]

I just wanted to share that I am making a deck of "wisdom cards" that contain such affirmations as, "I am creating a fresh new life", "I relax and enjoy life", "I am worth loving", and "I am safe and secure in my world" etc.

Some of the affirmations/coping statements I picked up online and others I picked up on while working DBT exercises. So far I have 21 cards and these will go into my 'self-soothe kit', when I have it completed, but I could use some help. If anyone has any affirmations that they find particularly soothing, I would love to hear them!!! Thanks!