1.Name it to Tame it. (Dan Seigel) I like to use a “fancy” zones of regulation chart to name what I’m feeling, name the zone of regulation I am in so that I can tame it or change how i feel. If i say it outloud, or recognize it on my visual chart, that act alone can help tame the emotion.

2.Practice self care: this could be taking a deep breath and dropping your shoulders, going for a walk, practicing yoga. Be in tune with how you’re feeling and do what you need to do to feel better. Sometimes that means having a good cry, sitting with those feelings, taking a break, talking to someone.

3.Check out the Holiday Emergency Sensory Kit for ideas of how you can create a sensory kit/space that will hep you feel less overwhelmed, and connected with your needs.

4.Kindness cultivates kindness: An act of kindness results in the release of several brain chemicals: oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin and endorphins. What can you do today to cultivate more kindness? Bake cookies for a friend, give someone a compliment, pay for someone’s coffee, smile, wave, hold the door open…

(Side note, kindness slows aging! )

5.Gratitude: It’s never too late to be grateful. Start a gratitude jar and each day, write down something you are grateful for. I make my kids do this when they say something mean about their brother. They have to say at least one thing they are grateful for. It’s so easy to come up with the negative things, but when we look back at all of the good things that came out of 2020 I can think of quite a few. Gratitude produces happiness and releases dopamine.

6.Laugh: My good friend Angelique is the giggleguru. She is a laughter yoga instructor. Everyone can laugh when life is good, but how does one laugh when faced with challenges? Laughter helps to create a positive mental state to deal with negative situations and negative people. Visit her laughter yoga videos I dare you not to laugh!