How to Relieve Anxiety Through Self Soothing

Yes, you really are in control of your own anxieties. And we'll show you how.

Biting your lips or nails, having the leg jitters, that weight in your chest, the needles/prickly feeling you get in your skin, the sudden rush of heat; there is a long list of anxiety’s different faces. It's not easy trying to come down from an anxiety attack, whether minor or extreme. And not all attacks look the same. People tend to forget that things come in spectrums. There are different levels of anxiety symptoms and attacks. They are all valid. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, out of all of the people experiencing anxiety, only 36.9% of them receive treatment. That means there's an estimated 63% of people who have anxiety and are either trying their best to figure it out on their own, or they don't even know they're experiencing anxiety.

Self-care has constantly expanded over the years and is continuing to grow. We now get to see various branches of self-care, such as self-soothing techniques. And these self-soothing techniques, handpicked by Kokoropsyche, are perfect for influencing a "comedown" and/or preventing attacks altogether.

You're not alone in your experiences with anxiety. It's time that more casual and accessible solutions become available to those who need them.

Treat Yourself to Physical Stimulation

According to simplypsychology.org, the human brain has a group of structures that act as a reward system. It activates whenever we experience something rewarding such as eating good food or sex. When activated, this reward system causes the brain to release endorphins into our system. What do these endorphins do, you ask? A lot! They're known to reduce pain & discomfort, reduce stress, depression, & anxiety, reduce inflammation, and boost self-esteem according to healthline.com. This can all be safely achieved through a variety of relaxing physical activities.

Many experience body massages at local certified and reviewed massage parlors. You could also have your partner massage you and you could later return the favor. Or if you prefer to keep your personal space distant from strangers, you could invest in a personal body massager.

Massages are said to reduce pain & stress, improve circulation & energy, and lower heart rate & blood pressure. The best part is, massages come in various technical forms! There are larger instruments for your back and legs, and there are also smaller handheld options available for those who need more on-the-go solutions.

Indulge in Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a major key when it comes to self-soothing techniques and self-care. I mean, it technically has been around for ages and people are still just now getting put on. Commonly used to ease stress, anxiety, and depression, aromatherapy is a perfect low exertion technique to help calm you down.

Known to manage pain, improve sleep quality, encourage relaxation, and make you smell too freaking good, we highly encourage you to look into it. Learn about healthy essential oils and what's right for you. Invest in a quality diffuser and/or humidifier and change your environment forever. Mix self-care with style, and try out different essential oil-infused candles for your home.

Kokoropsyche takes honorable pride in what we provide our community with; quality and luxury that is obtainable and affordable. Check out our aromatherapy collections and begin your self-soothing journey today!

"Self-care is not self indulgence, it is self preservation." – Audre Lorde

Get to Know Yourself with Journaling

Whenever I'm in a moment where I feel as if I'm surrounded by my anxiety and crumbling from the pressure, I tend to hear a whole lot of nothing. Strange isn't it? I hear my voice mixed in with intrusive thoughts and the surrounding environment, and I'm pretty sure that silent noise is what makes me want to explode the most.

Journaling is great to use for self-soothing when caught in an emotional situation. It forces you to be still, to think, and to breathe. As you begin to write the letters on the pages, not always immediately but eventually, you're heart rate slows, your body temperature cools, your thoughts become clearer, and your overall ability to function returns.

It didn't take long for me to figure out the pure satisfaction I got from writing as a little girl. The words, effortlessly pour from my head, as my hand does its best to keep up. My mind, moving on to the next, but not too far gone.

When I write, it helps me take ownership of my life. As I gather my recollections of past moments I am able to see myself through a third lens. And then a fourth, when I'm later able to reread those entries. A form of self-help; I'm enabling myself to experience healing through accountability and trauma facing and at my own pace. I believe that there is a phenomenal blessing in that.

Get into Acupressure (Rings!)

I said acupressure y'all, not acupuncture! This isn't "lay on the table and let me stick these needles in your back" time. We're in the future ladies & gents; we're getting more and more innovative, and safe! Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medical therapy that targets specific points in the human body in order to free energy from blockage and encourage its natural flow.

According to vogue.in, acupressure is known to stimulate the body's circulatory, lymphatic, and hormonal systems. You can find a local acupressure practitioner to get a specific treatment, or you can engage in an affordable, more convenient, and self-soothing form of the practice, acupressure jewelry. Alleviate your muscles & joints and minimize migraines with an acupressure bracelet. It's small, elegant, and discreet. Want an even more low-key anxiety-relief tool you can rely on throughout the day? Relax your nervous system with our quality acupressure rings.

Practice Meditation & Breathing Techniques

Something tells me this isn't the first time you're hearing about mediation and its benefits. Listen, Kokoropsyche isn't into feeding our community a bunch of fluff. Anything being spoken on is done with the confidence of prior research on the matter. So when I say that meditation is an ultimate gateway to inner healing, I whole-heartedly mean that.

There are various forms of meditation practices, and not all of them work for everybody; that's okay. Guided meditation involves focus and breathing techniques with audio or visual aid. So for example, a meditation teacher, spoken meditation audio, etc. Transcendental meditation focuses on the use of mantras, such as "my mind is brilliant" or "my positive thoughts orchestrate new opportunities for me", instead of involving concentration, mind control, and thought monitoring. There's also chakra meditation, yoga mediation, and many other forms. So don't limit yourself and say meditation just isn't for you, when you've barely touched the surface. Just as we all learn in different learning styles, we align with different meditation styles as well.

Sometimes, people just need help with centering themselves during meditation and that's why it's proving to be so difficult. If you're looking to heal through meditation, but could use a boost, consider using meditation cushions, yoga mats, yoga beads, crystals, or aromatherapy.

Try Different Adult Coloring Books & Puzzles

There are various adult coloring books online and in stores that serve as amazing outlets for stress relief. I mean, do you remember how satisfying it was to color when you were a kid. How focused you were at times? How every now and then, you found yourself completely out of touch with whatever was just going on? If you enjoy art and struggle with stress, anxiety, or depression, please consider picking out a book that aligns with your interests and using it as an instrument to help relieve your anxiety.

Puzzles are also a great go-to "comedown" technique, IF, puzzles are up your alley. I personally love doing puzzles, but I definitely see myself hating them in the middle of an angry/frustrating moment. So it's definitely not for everybody, and I get that. Although, I can also see myself using it as a relief tool when I'm sad. I see how it would help my mind work towards other things than wallowing in depression and pity. So definitely look at your behavior patterns and see if puzzles could be an appropriate match for you.

Turn Your Bathroom into a Lux Private Spa

Lastly, what better way to practice self-soothing techniques than to incorporate them physically into your own home; specifically your bedroom and bathroom. You know that feeling you get when you walk into a lux spa ready to be pampered? Or if you're anything like me, that feeling you get from seeing it on TV and thinking "must be nice"? Why feel like you have to leave the comfort of your home for comfort? Invest in quality bath oils, candles, and essential oils. Save up and get you that thick bath rob and water-jet foot & leg massager. Get you some fresh flower petals, and play that soothing music you love to hear. Take out some time to prep with what you've got and give yourself the retreat you desire. I promise you it isn't as hard as it looks.

You See? It is Possible

You deserve to feel better; you deserve to feel great. No anxiety is too fierce to understand and moderate. It may take time, but if you stick to it, you will find solutions catered to you that work best for you. Don't give up, and don't ever feel as if you aren't in control of your own life. It may feel like that at times, but that's a bold lie. You are. You can do it. I know you can. You are in control.

Comment below some self-soothing techniques you love to use, or some that you've ditched and why! And check out Kokoro Konverse, our community forum that hosts real-life conversations every day. You might find some useful tips from people just like you there as well.

Here, we're establishing balance within. Let's heal together.

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Kokoropsyche does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.