Have you ever wondered what grounding is, why it’s important, and how you can do it? Clinical Psychology Registrar, Kelly Brown, explains and steps us through a simple grounding technique you can try.
Grounding is the act of coming back into our bodies and truly being in the present moment. It’s like a superpower that allows us to stay calm and centred in the face of stress and snap out of any future worries or past regrets we might be caught up in. Sometimes we can get so taken away by our racing thoughts, we don’t realise that we’re not really present any more!
Here is a simple grounding exercise you can try. The aim is to tune into each of your 5 senses (sight, touch, hearing, smell, taste) in a methodical way, one by one.
- Name 5 things you can see. Say them one by one. Either list them out loud or in your head.
- Find 4 things around you that you can touch. Touch them one by one with your fingers. Take your time! Notice the different materials, textures and sensations.
- Notice 3 sounds that you can hear. Really listen! There might be sounds from your body (for example, breathing or talking), sounds that are in your immediate environment, or background noise in the distance.
- Identify 2 scents that you can smell. Take a slow breath in through your nose. What you can smell? There might be scents from your body products, or smells from the environment around you
- Notice 1 thing you can taste. Take a moment to tune into your sense of taste. If you have food or drink handy nearby, take a slow mindful sip or bite. Really notice and savour the flavour. If you don’t have any food or drink, notice how your mouth feels.
Well done! Take a moment to reflect on how you found the experience. Was it easy or difficult for you? Were you able to connect with each of your senses? Were some senses easier than others? Is there any difference in how you felt before the exercise and how you are feeling now?
When we fully tune into our senses, all our attention is focused on experiencing the present moment. It takes out of our worries and racing thoughts and brings us back into our bodies. Some people find that simple grounding exercises can be a little bit like pressing a reset button!
Like anything, the more we practise grounding the easier and more effective it will become. If you found this exercise helpful, try to practice once a day for the week. That way it will become automatic and effortless to use when you next need it.
Keep calm, stay grounded and carry on!
Kelly Brown
Psychologist (Clinical Psychology Registrar)
Foresight Psychology
