Struggling with Inner Turmoil: Seeking Calming Techniques

Calming music, the scent of lavender, coloring, hot decaf tea

I really like fixing on sensory experiences. I find that it breaks the thought loops and helps me calm Brian. I make a big cup of mint tea. Holding it in your hands (don’t make it too hot) and concentrate on the feeling of warmth and the taste of the tea. It’s a good break from the world and helps. Holding cold drinks in the summer is good as well. Also laying still on my back in the floor (not bed). I can feel the weight on my body pressing on the floor which you can’t get the the bed since it softens that out and you miss out in the sensory elements. Best paired with dimming the lights (not total dark). Watching a show helps me get so immersed in another story that by the time I’m done, the intense feelings have passed because the thought loops were broken. This tends to work better for anxiety than depression. Pick and art project! Can be paint by numbers or something like that if you aren’t artistic. Grab and hold onto a pillow for a while! Putting an ice pack on my forehead— the soft kind with the beads are best. Having a small satisfying snack. Talking with friends or family. Going for a walk!

Mediation, self talk, anxiety meds, talking with a close friend