Grounding

Grounding techniques are strategies that can help you manage traumatic memories or strong emotions. Occasionally, you may feel yourself becoming detached from the present and consumed by the emotions that are attached to the anxiety you’re experiencing.

“What worries you, masters you.” —John Locke

This grounding technique will help decrease the intensity of the emotions you are feeling, reconnect with the present, and assist you with regaining control over your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

There are multiple versions of grounding techniques that can be found on the internet. This is just one that I recommend because of its simplicity and its ease to remember.

The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique

· Acknowledge 5 things that you can see around you. (the trees are green, the sky is blue, the chair is red, etc.)

· Acknowledge 4 things that you can feel around you. (my sweater is soft, the grass is prickly, the water is wet, etc.)

· Acknowledge 3 things that you can hear around you. (the breeze is moving through the trees, the music is soft, the traffic is passing by, etc.)

· Acknowledge 2 things that you can smell around you. (the flowers smell sweet, the coffee smells strong, etc.)

· Acknowledge 1 thing that you can taste. (the water tastes cool and smooth, the apple is sweet and juicy, etc.)