A Collection of Self-Soothing Activities

When you are experiencing painful feelings that are particularly hard for you to cope with, here is a list of ways you might soothe yourself. Look through the list to see if any of these ideas are helpful to you. You can also check out the relaxation video from the Mayo Clinic.

Phone a friend or relative

Daydream

Meditate

Visit a friend

Take a bath or shower

Help someone else

Have a good cry

Go shopping for something you need

Think positive thoughts

Clean

Go for a car ride

Think about someone who cares about you

Work on understanding your feelings

Apply logic to your situation

Pray

Organize things

Listen to music

Make social plans

Write in a diary or journal

Exercise

Talk yourself into a calmer state

Go to sleep

Engage in a hobby

Think about things in a realistic way

Think about the happiness of others

Spend time with your pet

Focus on your breathing

Stay busy

Take a walk

Think about someone you care about

Think of others who are worse off

Ask someone for help

Imagine talking to your therapist

Focus on the feeling until it passes

Create something

Cook or bake

Plan the future

Sit down and relax

Look for elements of humor in what you feel

Remind yourself that you’ve gotten through it before

Plan how to change the situation that led up to the feelings

Wait for the feelings to subside

Vent your feelings – hit something soft like a pillow

Give yourself a treat

Do tasks or errands that you enjoy

Be around children

Get into nature

Drink coffee or tea

Get some sun

Sing

Engage in sports with others

Attend something entertaining like a movie or concert

Talk about it with someone

Go out alone to be around other people

Get a massage

Play a musical instrument

Read something you find inspiring

Seek out sources of comedy

Involve yourself in your religion

Go to a location you find peaceful or harmonious

Ride in a boat

Try a new food recipe

Contact a person from your past

Volunteer at something you find useful

Write a letter

Polish furniture or your shoes

Buy or pick some flowers

Visit a pet store

Watch TV

Watch less TV

Others…………..