A small treat that can engage the senses and shift attention; comes in a variety of flavors.
What is a mint or cinnamon candy?
This motion of inhale and exhale will calm the amygdala.
What is Deep Breathing?
This skills requires only paper and a pen or pencil.
What is drawing?
The skill of recording present thoughts and feelings.
What is journaling?
This simple movement can interrupt negative thought patterns and re-engage the nervous system.
It can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures and can be used to distract or relieve nervous energy.
What is a fidget?
Exposure to this massive element increases dopamine.
What is sunshine?
This skills involves oils or acrylics on canvas or other material.
What is painting?
The practice of listing specific things you are thankful for.
What is a Gratitude List?
Often always available, this movement involves the whole body, switches the scenery, and helps increase serotonin and dopamine.
What is taking a walk?
This activity engages others and can redirect attention, and can be put back in a portable box.
What is a board/card game?
You can count in for 4, hold for 4 counts, and then slowly release for 4 counts.
What is a Box Breath?
This skill keeps hands busy and requires yarn and hooks or needles.
What is knitting/crocheting?
A writing exercise used to evaluate a decision that may be causing distress or anxiety.
What is a Pros/Cons List?
What is a punching bag?
This soft item can be cuddled and provide comfort.
What is a Stuffy?
The practice of naming 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.
What is Sensory Grounding?
This is skill can use cheap PlayDoh or more expensive mediums like clay.
What is modeling/sculpting?
Identifying and writing down triggers, emotions and behaviors that often lead to maladaptive coping skills, such as cutting; This will include identifying coping skills, safe places, and supportive people with their contact information.
What is a Safety Plan?
This fast action can help ease an over-stimulated nervous system and help calm the body down.
What is shaking or a "Tension Releasing Exercise (TRE)"?
This act of self-care is an easy way to engage the senses and provide a few minutes of rest.
What is a face-mask?
A technique where you flex one muscle group at a time, and slowly release as you progress up the body.
What is Progressive Muscle Relaxation?
This skill uses hand-eye coordination, as well as creativity in design and bead selection.
What is jewelry-making
Writing down an initial thought, and then working to reframe that thought realistically without cognitive distortions.
What is Reframing?
This action often accompanies music, and is known to release stress, improve mood, and increases dopamine and endorphins in the brain.
What is dancing?