Step 1: make a list of things you could use when you feel upset. For example: hugs, music, a walk through the park.

Step 2: make a drawing of your own safe place. For example: draw your piano, your cat, a wise owl, a warm fireplace, a park, the beach, a teddy bear for hugs, a fairy or wishing well or whatever else you feel you need in a time you’re experirncing rough emotions.

Step 3: use your imagination and practice stepping into your safe place every day this week, so you’ll be comfortable doing so when you need it. Try staying there for 5-10 minutes each time.

Step 4: When you’re upset, use your safe place to calm you down. Remember you can always add new things to your safe place by adding a piece of paper to your original drawing or just imagining it in your safe place.

Additional: make a suitcase you can take with you to your safe place. Add a book you’d like to read there, sheet music to play your instrument, food for the animals you’d like to feed, music you’d like to listen to, a lucky coin to throw in your wishing well, etc.