by Henry Boudin

It often helps to speak with someone when we are feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, or sad. But sometimes, we cannot get in touch with anyone, and sometimes we need to change our emotional state immediately, more quickly than looking up a number – or finding our phones!

That’s when it’s important to have something around us that is associated with comfort and safety. Usually we have things around that will help, such as blankets, pictures, or books, but we don’t think about it on a conscious level.

Here are some ways to explore our surroundings to find comfort:

1) Look around and take some time noticing how you feel when your eyes fall on different objects.
2) Do the objects have an effect on you? Do some make you smile? Or relax? Do some remind you of a fun or meaningful experience? Do some elicit excitement?
3) Do you have a favorite cover that “gives you a hug”?
4) Do certain rooms elicit different feelings? How about colours?
5) Note the parts of your surroundings which give you feelings that would help in moments of stress. Note where they are so they are readily accessible.

Sounds can change our emotions almost instantaneously. The music we listen to has great effects on our moods. As you listen to music, do the same exercise mentioned above. Make a list of the music that will help in difficult times. As with your comforting objects, keep your music close at hand and easily accessible during difficult times.