Make a tape of affirmations. Have supportive people add messages for you.
Have a “Daily Bread Basket” of affirmations to read, hold, carry with you.
Get a book of affirmations and carry it with you.
Healing Notebook: Put in affirmations, pictures, messages from friends that remind you that you are safe and not alone. Carry the notebook with you.
Lucid Dreaming and Journalling: Use meditative and free writing techniques.
Self Talk: Tell yourself something that will remind you that you are okay.
Do a positive or nurturing HandPrints spontaneous writing.
Write affirmations cards or post-it notes.
Journal about hopes and aspirations.
Write a letter to yourself from someone who thinks highly of you.
With your non-dominant hand, write from your child self.
Soothing Deeds
Get into cozy clothes.
Get dressed up.
Treat your body as you would a child who has been hurt.
Cook something nice.
Bake bread.
Rest in a hot bath.
Take an oil or bubble bath.
Light a candle or your fireplace.
Soothe body memories: use lotion, essential oils, soft fabric on places that hurt.
Brush your hair.
Rub your feet or hands.
Buy yourself flowers or a houseplant.
Buy yourself garden plants and plant them.
Buy your inner child a coloring book.
Have a cup of tea or hot chocolate.
Have iced tea or lemonade.
Have a chocolate or other comfort food.
Buy something nice for yourself or your house.
Brush or pet your cat or dog.
Talk to your pets.
Turn on the radio or play music.
Buy a book or magazine.
Read a children’s book.
Read your favorite author or book.
Keeping Busy/Healthy Distractions
Mend clothes.
Rearrange your furniture.
Decorate a room.
Time out: Put thoughts and feelings to the back of your mind.
Create containment and set it aside for now.
Distract yourself and keep busy.
Count to 10.
Use breath work.
Make and put up a joy list.
Play with a small child.
Watch a sunset.
Go someplace you enjoy.
Go somewhere with a friend.
Go to a place with a fountain, waterfall, beach, stream, lake or nature trail.
Art And Playful Activity
Blow bubbles.
Play cards.
Make a collage.
Make art work.
Sing to your favorite music.
Watch a comedy.
Make a scrapbook with inspirational and empowering images.
Go to a play ground and swing or use the jungle gym.
Learn to laugh at yourself.
Play hopscotch or darts.
Taking Care Of Your Body
Get sleep if you need it.
Use aromatherapy.
Get a facial or a massage.
Get reflexology.
Eat something good for you.
Go for a walk.
Do a meditation or relaxation exercises.
Listen to what your body needs.
Ask yourself if you need to eat.
Physical Release
Do yoga, exercise or dance to expressive music.
Jog or run.
Roller blade.
Lift weights.
Sing really loud.
Run around and play.
Toboggan, ride a bike or swim.
Clean the house.
Clang pots and pans
Put on music and play the drums or bongos.
Go out and kick a ball.
Use a punching bag.
Punch a pillow.
Shake your body: allow the fear, hurt or anger to shake out of your arms and legs.
Allow yourself to cry or moan in a safe supportive place.
Breath deeply to release heavy pain in the chest.
Go somewhere safe and scream.
Scream into a pillow.
Stamp your feet.
Pound with a tube, hose or foam bat.
Ring a towel.
Swear into the toilet!
Use a stress ball.
Tear up newspaper, cardboard or a telephone book.
Build something with a hammer.
Trim the hedge.
Throw rocks in the water.
Squeeze or pound clay.
Have a pillow or marshmallow fight.
Have a food fight.
Disclaimer:
I am not a health care professional. I am an abuse survivor. The resources on
this site are for information and education only. Information on this website is meant to support
not replace the advice of a licensed health care or mental health care professional. Please consult your own physician for health care advice.
Copyright Policy:
Information included on the MAH Network site is in the public domain; however, you will
encounter information that is owned/created by others, including copyrighted materials.
Those other parties retain all rights to publish or reproduce those documents or to allow
others to do so. Any copyrighted materials included on this site remain the property of
their respective owners/creators and should not be reproduced or otherwise used. It is not
the intent of the MAH Network to have violated or infringed upon any copyrights. If you
believe we have, please let us know and we’ll take care of the matter promptly.