If you have ever read about self-care then you have probably heard about the importance of prioritizing your personal wellness. Life is filled with tasks and responsibilities, especially during the holiday season. It can be easy to put personal needs on the backburner as other stresses begin to pile up. 

You are not in a position to help people if your own personal needs are not being met. One way to go about meeting your physical and mental needs is through a process called self soothing. Self soothing is a natural way people cope with stress and anxiety. Young children self soothe through the comforts of a stuffed animal or perhaps sucking their thumb. This concept may be unfamiliar to you. Read below to see methods of bringing comfort to each of the 5 senses. 

Sound: The noise level that surrounds you can greatly impact how you feel. Some people enjoy being surrounded by constant noise because it allows their mind to be focused on something. This can be helpful if your mind tends to wander and linger on negative thoughts. Other people enjoy complete silence as it gives their brain a moment to sort out issues. Ask yourself which noise level you prefer, Perhaps you are somewhere in between and you like a small amount of noise. No matter what you prefer, try to meet your personal needs.  

Vision: As your body feels anxiety, your pupils tend to dilate. Dilated pupils are incredibly sensitive to light. Be aware of this and adjust the lighting around you. You do not have control over every situation however you can bring sunglasses or turn off unneeded lights at home. Closing blinds to dim your home could also be beneficial. You could also give your eyes a break by looking away from a screen and drawing what you see outside a window.  

Taste: Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy is a good way to eliminate stress. These simple treats give your mind something to focus on. Try sipping on a nice cup of tea or hot chocolate. You could even nibble on something sweet and savor the flavor. Whatever you choose to taste, be careful not to overdo it. 

Touch: This can be achieved through enjoying a warm bath or receiving a massage. If you have sore muscles or joints you can use ice and heat to provide relief and eliminate swelling. Give a family member a hug to show that you care about them. 

Smell: Scents are much more than a fragrance as they are extremely powerful in triggering memories. When you get a whiff of some freshly baked cookies it may bring back memories of your mother baking in the kitchen. Certain smells bring comfort and allow you to feel calm. You can create these smells in your home with candles or by using a specific laundry detergent. 

As your life becomes busy with responsibilities, remember to prioritize your own self-care. Doing so will allow you to better tackle other tasks. When your own wellness needs are taken care of, you will be in a better position to care for others.