Self-Soothing: A Gentle Way to Recenter
Life moves fast. And in the midst of managing responsibilities, relationships, and the unexpected, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or stretched thin at times.
At Perissos Psychology, we believe in the importance of creating moments of stillness and self-kindness throughout the day, especially when life feels heavy. Self-soothing is not self-indulgent. It’s a powerful, restorative practice that helps calm the nervous system, regulate emotions, and keep you grounded when the world around you feels chaotic.
One of the most accessible ways to soothe yourself is through your senses—vision, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and movement. These small, intentional actions can gently shift your state of mind and bring you back into the present moment.
Here are some simple ways to begin:
Movement: Gentle stretching, a walk in nature, dancing to your favourite song, or simply moving your body in a way that feels good can create calm and clarity.
Vision: Take in the beauty of a sunset, gaze at your favourite artwork or family photos, or simply notice the colours and textures in nature around you.
Hearing: Listen to calming music, a soothing voice in a guided meditation, or the natural sounds outside your window—birds, rain, the breeze.
Smell: Enjoy the aroma of fresh coffee or tea, light a candle, diffuse your favourite essential oils, or pause to notice the scent of a garden or book.
Taste: Sip a warm drink slowly or savour a favourite snack, fully noticing the flavour, texture, and comfort it brings.
Touch: Take a warm shower, feel the grass under your feet, wrap yourself in a soft blanket, or cuddle your pet.
Self-soothing helps you regulate in the moment, but it also builds emotional resilience for the longer journey. It’s not about avoiding what’s hard, but about giving yourself what you need to face it with greater calm and clarity.
You are allowed to pause. You are allowed to care for yourself. And in doing so, you’re strengthening your capacity to care for everything and everyone else around you.
Explore, experiment, and find what soothes you. You deserve that kind of care.