Argh? Self-Soothe. Ahhh!

You can think and act better if you’re not distracted by being upset. There are so many reasons to feel anxiety and/or stress: maybe you overdid a workout, learned something distressing, ate too much junk food, or are facing a hard diagnosis. What’s soothing to each of us is as individual as we are. Maybe a hot bath, sitting a spell in a rocking chair, or a leisurely walk does it for you–pick your favorite(s). I challenge you to also find a quick and mobile way for self-soothing on the fly. For me, I find that one hand on my belly and the other on my heart is a reflex action that reminds me to slow my breathing. And for long-term relief, if you see me dressed in muddy clothes and walking toward my garden, it possibly means I’m giving myself a soothing uplift. Or maybe I’m just Very Behind on my weeding!

Suggestion from Mariah Kaye, Senior Fitness Specialist, offering more fitness choices through the Lifelong Recreation Program of the Seattle Parks Department.