Have you ever heard the phrase you need to ground yourself? Have you ever tried any grounding techniques? What does this mean, sitting down on the floor? Well in a sense, yeah.
Grounding is a technique often used in mental health and mindfulness practices to bring someone back to the present moment, especially during times of stress, anxiety, or traumatic flashbacks. The concept is based on the idea of “grounding” oneself in the reality of the present moment, thereby diverting attention from negative or overwhelming thoughts and emotions.
Grounding techniques can involve various sensory experiences and mindfulness practices. Some common methods include:
- Physical Sensations: Focusing on physical touch points, like feeling your feet on the ground, holding a cold or warm object, or touching various textures.
- Breathing Exercises: Concentrating on your breath, observing the inhalation and exhalation, and sometimes using specific breathing patterns.
- Mindful Observation: Noticing the details of your immediate environment, like the colours, sounds, smells, or sights around you.
- Mental Exercises: Engaging in mental tasks like counting, reciting something, or playing a memory game in your head.
- Connecting with Nature: Spending time in nature, feeling the earth under your feet, listening to natural sounds, or observing the surroundings.
Grounding is used to help individuals detach from emotional pain, reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts, and encourage a state of calm and safety. It’s a practical tool in trauma therapy, anxiety management, and stress reduction.
Next time you find yourself in a moment of stress or overwhelm please give one of these techniques a go. If you think you are chronically stressed or always anxious then please get in touch. This is something our Emogic techniques can really help with. Book in now to start releasing with your emotions instead of brushing passed them!