When we feel grounded, we’re connected to the present moment, centered, and calm.
When we’re not grounded, however, we can feel scattered, stressed, and anxious.
What are grounding techniques?
They are used when a person feels “ungrounded,” or otherwise stressed, anxious, or dissociative.
Mindful movement is extremely grounding and helps you to return to your body, according to Spinelli.
Try breathwork.
Get outside.
Move locations.
Try the 5-4-3 method.
Eat or drink something.
1 thing she recommends is the consumption of grounding foods.
Not only are you breathing and engaging your vocal chords, but you’re engaging your sense of hearing.
Bonus points if you’re singing along to music that feels grounding to you!
Do a body scan.
Slowly (really, really slowly) work your way down the body, bit by bit.
From the crown, move to the temples.
From the temples, to your forehead.
Here’s our full guide onhow to do a body scan meditationfor more information.
Take a bath or shower.
Try earthing.
Here’s ourguide to earthingto help you get started.
7 mental grounding techniques:
Give your feelings a character.
“Write down your feelings and allow them to flow uncensored.
Play brain games.
Go through the steps of a basic task.
Use affirmations.
As aforementioned, sometimes feelings of anxiety and being ungrounded can stem from looping subconscious beliefs.
But according to psychiatristAnna Yusim, M.D., that’s where affirmations can come in.
They’re essentially self-selected phrases that embody who you would like to become, Yusim explains.
For example, you might sayI am groundedorI am right where I need to be.
Draw something.
You don’t have to be super artistic to get the benefits of a little crafting time.
As Richmond says,drawingis another process that can help you calm down and regulate your nervous system.
4 emotional grounding techniques:
Comfort your inner child.
If you’re feeling ungrounded, it could be yourinner childthat needs comforting more than anything.
Spend time with loved ones or pets.
Practice gratitude.
Visualize something that soothes you.
As you visualize, have your eyes closed but keep your feet firmly planted on the ground.
FAQ:
What are the 5 things to ground yourself?
What does it mean to ground yourself?
They are used when a person feels “ungrounded,” or otherwise stressed, anxious, or dissociative.
