Mubeena talks about how you can engage your five senses to help relieve stress
Most of us experience stress, sometimes daily, but we simply may not have time to stop everything to take a bath or go for a run. During these times, simplicity can be our best friend.
For quick stress relief, consider your five senses: touch, sight, sound, smell and taste. Engaging your senses is a simple way to keep you in the here and now. It will not solve your problems, but it will help your body’s response to stress. In order to figure out which of your five senses your body responds to best, you may have to experiment ahead of time, so that when stress strikes, you won’t be burdened with the task of trying to come up with a quick remedy.
Are you comforted by touch, scents, listening to soothing sounds, hot tea, or watching the bees buzz in the garden? Here are a few examples of how you might use touch, sight, sound, smell and taste to help keep you in the present.
Taste
- Drinking a cold glass of ice water when you’re feeling angry
- Chewing on a strong peppermint sweet
- Drinking a hot cup of camomile tea
Touch
- Stroking your pet’s fur
- Wrapping yourself in your favourite blanket
- Running cold water over your hands
- Squeezing a stress ball, or an object that feels comforting for you
Sound
- Listening to music
- Listening to birds chirping (if indoors, maybe including sounds of nature on your playlist)
- Humming your own tune
- Whistling
Sight
- Watching the trees sway in the wind
- Looking at a scenic picture you’ve cut out from a magazine
- Looking at pictures of supportive family, friends or pets
Smell
- Spraying perfume or air freshener
- Putting on scented lotion (smell and touch)
- Keeping dried lavender in a pouch- it gives off a soothing scent
These are just a few examples. Find what works for you, then keep those items nearby or carry them in your bag to use when needed.
