what can I do to help my loved one feel safe and calm
Helping Your Loved One Feel Safe and Calm: Simple Strategies
When your loved one is feeling overwhelmed or upset, it’s essential to provide them with a sense of safety and calm. Here are some simple yet effective strategies to help them feel better.
### 1. Offer a Hug
Sometimes, a gentle hug can be incredibly comforting. However, it’s crucial to respect their boundaries and ask for permission before giving a hug. Some people need space when they’re stressed, so it’s essential to be mindful of their needs.
### 2. Rocking Motion
Sitting and swaying or rocking in a chair can be very soothing. The rhythmic motion can help calm their nerves and provide a sense of security.
### 3. Express Anger Safely
Ripping up paper can be a helpful way for your loved one to express angry feelings without hurting themselves or others. This simple act can help them release frustration and feel more calm.
### 4. Encourage Physical Activity
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. Taking a gentle jog or engaging in some other form of physical activity can help release endorphins, which are natural mood-boosters.
### 5. Provide a Fidget Toy
Giving your loved one access to a fidget toy or jewelry can help them expel restless energy. These small objects can provide a calming distraction when they’re feeling overwhelmed.
### 6. Shoulder Massage
A shoulder or hand massage can be incredibly relaxing. Always ask for permission before giving a massage, as some people may not enjoy it. This physical touch can help them feel more connected and calm.
### 7. Use Aromas
Certain scents can evoke feelings of happiness or calmness. Find a scent that your loved one enjoys and use it to create a soothing atmosphere. This can be as simple as spraying a calming fragrance or using essential oils.
### 8. Listen to Music
Music has the power to uplift or soothe. Help your loved one pick the music they enjoy, whether it’s something energetic to get them moving or something slower to calm them down.
### 9. Mindful Coloring
Mindful coloring is a great way to relax and focus on the present moment. Provide your loved one with coloring pages and encourage them to take their time, letting go of worries about the past or future.
### 10. Engage in Creative Activities
Activities like knitting, crocheting, or making jewelry can be very soothing. The repetitive motion and focus on creating something can help calm their mind and provide a sense of accomplishment.
### 11. Focus on Something Neutral
Sometimes, when we’re upset, our brains focus on what’s going wrong. Refocusing their attention on something neutral, like counting red things or finding square-shaped objects, can help shift their perspective and calm their mind.
### 12. Create a Safe Space
Building a fort or creating a cozy space can provide a sense of security and comfort. This safe space can be a place where your loved one feels protected and able to relax.
### 13. Whisper Instead of Yell
When your loved one is feeling overwhelmed, whispering instead of yelling can help reduce sensory stimulation and create a more calming environment.
### 14. Encourage Emotional Expression
Writing a letter or expressing feelings through art can help your loved one process their emotions and feel more in control. This can be a powerful way to understand and manage their feelings.
### 15. Remind Them That Feelings Come and Go
Sometimes, children (and adults) can get worked up because they feel overwhelmed by a feeling and unsure if or when it will go away. Remind them that no feeling can last forever and that it’s natural to have big feelings.
By using these simple strategies, you can help your loved one feel safer and more calm. Remember, it’s essential to respect their boundaries and let them know that you’re there to support them, not to
