By Krista Hoffer
GCU Office of Student Care
#Askingforafriend
If you’ve experienced a traumatic event or have noticed your everyday stress beginning to rise, it’s normal to experience anxiety, feel overwhelmed or out of control, or have other uncomfortable symptoms.
Grounding techniques help control these symptoms by turning attention away from thoughts, memories or worries and refocusing on the present moment. If we are able to learn powerful ways to regain control and focus, we can feel calm and grounded in the present.
One technique is called “5 Senses.” We get to mindfully home in on our senses, one at a time, allowing us to slow down our thoughts and really tune into what each of our senses is experiencing.
This allows you to purposefully take in the details of your surroundings using each of your senses. Strive to notice small details your mind usually would tune out, such as distant sounds or the texture of an ordinary object.
Try it with me:
SIGHT
What things/people can you see? Look for small details, such as a pattern on the ceiling, the way light reflects off a surface or an object you never noticed.
SMELL
What can you smell? Try to notice smells in the air around you, such as an air freshener or freshly mowed grass. You also may look around for something that has a scent, such as a flower or an unlit candle.
SOUNDS
What things can you hear? Pay special attention to the sounds your mind has tuned out, such as a ticking clock, distant traffic or trees blowing in the wind.
TOUCH
What things can you feel? Notice the sensation of clothing on your body, the sun on your skin or the feeling of the chair you are sitting in. Pick up an object and examine its weight, texture and other physical qualities.
TASTE
What is something you can taste? Carry gum, candy or small snacks for this step. Pop one in your mouth and focus your attention closely on the flavors.
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How do you feel different after trying that? Reminding ourselves we have the ability to create calm and order in our present situations gives us confidence to successfully complete whatever task is in front of us.
