We know that a dysregulated central nervous system can activate triggers and lead to heightened emotions, anxiety, depression, and even a suppressed immune system. We also know that breathing exercises can override the central nervous system and help us to work toward regulation. Breathe, my friend - it is so important in times like this. [If you're new to breathing exercises, try inhaling through your nose for 3 seconds and exhaling through your mouth for 6 seconds. Breathe in deep, then push the air out of your mouth like a gust of wind.]

We use tool boxes because different tools serve different functions. Imagine trying to hang painting on the wall with nothing but a screwdriver or tighten a loose bolt with a hammer - that would be pretty difficult right? Sure, we would use a tool, but it wasn't the right tool for the situation. Coping skills work the same way. Building a coping skills toolbox means taking some time to consider the tools that you've learned (breathing exercises, grounding techniques, calming strategies, mindfulness, self-care, etc.) and consider the situation and/or needs where those tools would be most useful. Ultimately, YOU are the expert in you, so the tools that work better for you in certain situations may be different than someone else and that's okay. Honor what works for you and your body.

Movement allows our body a chance to remind us that it is trustworthy. Our feet and legs are trustworthy to keep us up right as we walk, run, dance, or skip. Our arms are trustworthy to hold the people and things that we love most. Our organs are trustworthy to keep us functioning, even when times are scary or unknown. As we move our bodies in a way that feels good to us, endorphins (calming, pleasant hormones) are released and we can be reminded that our bodies were designed to survive: our natural inclination is bent toward healing.