Anybody else feeling it? Do you have that desire to just hang out all day in your pj’s? Eating a little too much? Spending a little too much? Snuggling your pets so much that they get tired of you? Wishing you could snuggle a stuffed animal right now and not feel it was “weird”?
No surprise! When we are feeling anxious we all look for things to self-soothe. Whether it’s Blue Bell calling your name from the freezer or watching The Office for the umpteenth time. We are all looking for something to help us to feel better. Something to help us feel less anxious.
Here’s the deal. There’s nothing really wrong with most of self-soothe tactics. We just have to watch out that it doesn’t go to far. We need some limits. I.e. - we still need to shower! (Please!) We need to be sure that we aren’t drinking to not feel. We need to watch the pocketbook and not go crazy on Etsy. Limits are needed, but self-soothing right now is necessary to get through these next couple of months.
So, have some ice cream - but maybe use that pretty small china dish or cup to have it from. You might get a little boost of enjoyment out of such a simple thing as pulling out the “off limits except for holidays” dish ware and exercise some portion control at the same time. Don’t entirely stop buying things (it’s good for the economy) but be careful that you aren’t creating a whole other issue for yourself. Wear cozy clothes - just make your bed and change when you get up.
And come up with some other self-soothes to replace the alcohol. How about a bubble bath? Listening to music? (I’m particularly enjoying worship music online by KLOVE or AIR1 these days.) Also, try coloring or drawing. My artistic young adult kids have pulled out all their old art class supplies and been really enjoying getting creative again. There are lots of printable coloring pages like this that you might try too. Light some candles in the evening. Take a walk and really take in creation. There are lots of meditation and scriptural meditation apps out there too. Spend time in prayer. Call a supportive person.
Here’s the bottom line. Self-soothing is about comforting ourselves. Right now - that’s what we all need. How do you comfort yourself?