Comforting YOurself In An Emotional Distress:
1. Get a photo out of you as a small child and talk to yourself as you would to that child, say kind, loving, protective things.
2. Hug a blanket, teddy bear or a relative.
3. Drink a soothing hot drink.
4. Have a bath, especially if you can put some oils in it that soothe you (rosemary, lavender, neroli and chamomile all help balance very out of control moods and feelings)
5. Lie under a duvet for half an hour.
6. Look through photo albums of happy times.
7. Think of someone past or present who has loved or supported you, and imagine that they are with you, comforting you and cheering you on.
8. Think of five things worse than this moment that you have survived. Then think of five good things that have happened in your life so far.
9. Pet an animal.
10. Say a prayer, to whoever you feel you could, or even just out loud to no one, just to the world/universe.
11. Think of all the people in the world who feel like you do, and imagine being in sync with them, getting through this moment with them.
12. Think of a wish, and imagine it coming true. Imagine how lovely it would be, and what it would look like.
13. Write a journal entry, totally unedited.
14. Call a helpline.
15. Sit in front of a fire, or walk in the cool breeze, and feel the warmth or coolness on your skin.
16. Brush your hair (I find this comforting, like someone playing with my hair.)
17. Put a sad movie on with a fairly hopeful ending, and have a good cry.
18. Pamper yourself, put some nail polish on, cleanse your skin, put some moisturizer on, and really focus on doing something pleasurable for yourself. Try to be show yourself affection and kindness.
19. Look at the stars in the night sky.
20. Buy a ring and make it a symbol of a promise to look after yourself forever.
21. Read old emails or letters or birthday cards from friends to remind yourself that people care about you.
22. Eat something sweet, a small portion of comfort food can really help.
23. Think of a favourite childhood memory.
24. Read an autobiography of someone you relate to who made it through difficult times.
25. Have a nap.
26. Care for someone else, or an animal or plant. Sometimes nurturing someone else can be a way of nurturing yourself.
27. Create a place of safety, make a fort or tent, or find a comfy chair or place in the garden where you feel relaxed and safe, and able to be yourself. Visit it often.
28. Write a love letter to someone you hope to meet in future, or someone you know now, who loves you.
29. If you can, write a love letter to yourself from the perspective of someone who loves you.
30. Put on some music that soothes you and hum or sing.
31. Listen to an audiobook read by someone whose voice you find relaxes and comforts you.
"When I was diagnosed about 18 months ago with fibromyalgia, I didn't know where to turn. I got on my computer and looked for a support group where I could talk to other people with the same disease and get some help...Information, suggestions, mostly just what I can do now that I have this.....disorder/disease/syndrome...I didn't even know what to call it. I found MDJ, and yes, there was a support group for fibro. I started a post, and figured I would never get an answer. However, very quickly I was welcomed in, and became really involved in the group. I received help, support, friendship and the feeling of being truly cared about by these strangers who had become like family to me. Now, I have been here for about a year and a half...I have become a group leader, and love every minute of it. It is so wonderful to be able to help others. I still receive help and answers from the members in this group. The fibromyalgia is where I go to help, support, listen, care and even laugh. I don't know what I would do without this group." (mabri)
