I huddled under the covers this morning waiting for the sun to rise (or for the house to warm) and determined two things while huddled: 1. This is the darkest week of the year. 2. Part of the trouble getting up in the morning is that once I get up, everything gets a little bit worse for a moment: the floor is cold, washing my face, brushing my teeth, and changing clothes makes me cold, and later, hiking the dog when it’s 30 degrees makes me cold. None of this is particularly nurturing or soothing even though it’s necessary, and in the case of the hike, healthy.  

Here’s a few self-soothing tips for work adapted from the resources below:

• Organize one small section of your workspace so it pleases you.
• Buy a flower or display a plant that makes you happy.
• Use a favorite lotion that has a good smell.
• Carry herbs in your pocket that have a nice smell (lavender, sage, mint).
• Make a cup of really good tea.

Any other ideas for self-soothing?

Resources

Self-soothing tips

Self-nurturing tips