06/10/2026
Changing Sensory Cues
Trauma can deeply affect how survivors perceive and respond to sensory stimuli. Certain sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touches, and movements can trigger intense emotional or physiological reactions in individuals who have experienced trauma.
Equally, survivors can learn to identify sensory resources that will become anchors of regulation in times of need.
Here are a few suggestions to help you regulate your senses; there are more on our website https://oneinfour.org.uk/project/changing-sensory-cues/
Sight
Photographs, screensavers, pictures, favourite painting, snow globe, kaleidoscope, flowers, dream catcher, mandala
Sound
Listen to shells, wind chimes, a voice recording from people who love and care for you, singing, laughing, shouting, whistling, or making music. Listen to relaxing & soothing music or alternatively stimulating and energising music
Smell
Ideas include aromatherapy oil, perfume, candles, aroma sprays, diffusers, herbal tea bags, spices, aromatherapy lava bracelet
Taste
Take time to really taste your food/ Relaxing foods could be drinking hot chocolate, herbal tea, black tea with honey or other warm drink. More stimulating food and drink could include peppermint, tangy/sour sweets, chewing gum, chilli, lemon, lime or ice.
Touch
Soft fabric, soft toy, bean bag, massage ball, juggling balls, feathers, bubble wrap, crystals, precious stone, pebbles, water or pet stroking.
There are many more ideas on our website https://oneinfour.org.uk/project/changing-sensory-cues/