We are offering a weekly blog series with a collection of diverse and effective coping techniques and exercises that can help reduce stress, improve mental and emotional well-being, and perhaps make you even more effective in achieving your individual goals. Check back every Wednesday for the newest skill of the week. Try them all out and find what works best for you.
Today Dr. Erin Jacklin recommends Self-Soothing Through The Five Senses (Part 2): Our five senses are a powerful tool for relaxation. These exercises can be added into your life even if you don’t have much extra time to devote to self-care.
Smell: Notice all the different smells around you. Walk in a garden or in the woods after it rains, and breathe in the smells of nature. Light a scented candle or incense. Bake some bread or a cake, and take in all the smells.
Taste: Have a special treat, and eat it slowly, savoring each bite. Cook a favorite meal. Drink a soothing drink like herbal tea or hot chocolate. Let the taste run over your tongue and slowly down your throat.
Touch: Take a bubble bath. Pet your dog or cat or cuddle a baby. Put on a silk shirt or blouse, and feel its softness and smoothness. Sink into a really comfortable bed. Float or swim in a pool, and feel the water caress your body.
