Sensory
flavors/taste
flavors can either be soothing or stimulating !
for example spicy foods can make your heart beat faster, while other flavors can be calming or make us feel good
games
games can be played to have fun and build bonds with our friends and family or be played alone and sometimes can help us regulate (that includes video games)
food
food can taste and make us feel good
food can also give us energy
we might have trouble focusing, or feel bad if we don't eat enough or the right things
smells
our favorite smells can be used to help us focus and stay calm
movies/TV
movies/shows can be a great way to engage with our interests and bond with friends and family
toys
toys can use our imagination and may be useful to help with focus
sounds
our favorite sounds can calm us down or make us excited
both can be helpful in regulating our emotions
it can also be regulating to make our own sounds !
music
music can be calming or exciting, and releases feel good chemicals in our brain that help us regulate
clothing
our favorite clothes can make us feel more comfortable getting through the day
lighting
unique lighting options (colorful/changing lights) can also be entertaining and even help us regulate and feel relaxed
books
reading engages our imagination and can help us learn cool facts
blanket
our favorite blanket can make us feel calm, warm, cozy and help us fall asleep
textures
texture can determine whether we like or don't like certain foods, items, and fabrics
uncomfortable textures can be unpleasant and dysregulating while others can make us feel good and stay calm
activities
whether you like movement based activities like sports, or prefer doing things with your hands like arts and crafts, they can help reduce stress
items
our favorite items can help keep us calm and feel comforted when we are feeling sad