Self-Soothing Vs. Self-Care - What’s the difference and which should I use?

Words like "self-care" and "self-soothing" have become incredibly mainstream, thrown around like avocados into reusable tote bags. But how well do we really know what these terms mean, and what do they look like in practice?

Both self-care and self-soothing play important roles in maintaining our mental and emotional health. However, to interchange the two would be like confusing an organic green goddess smoothie with a pint of Phish Food ice cream (non-dairy for me, please). Each plays a unique role and is not quite the right substitute for the other.

So what’s the difference? You can think of self-care as a proactive and long-lasting approach to wellness. It lays the groundwork for lasting resilience and focuses on sustained well-being. This can include activities like regularly moving and nourishing your body, developing good sleep hygiene, and maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships and commitments. Self-soothing, on the other hand, offers immediate calm and support in the here and now. It is a reactive approach to a stressor that has caused intense or overwhelming emotions. In practice, this might look like taking a warm bath, practicing belly breathing, or cuddling with a furry friend.

By recognizing the synergy between these two practices and striking a balance that feels right for you, you can build your own personalized toolkit for navigating life's twists and turns. This in itself is an act of profound self-love that ensures you are well prepared for whatever comes your way.