Many people feel stressed and anxious for various reasons. Sometimes, they are stressed out because of their hectic schedules. The good news is that you can use grounding to calm yourself and reduce stress. This technique can also help you stay in the present moment so you can let go of your worries and focus on your task. The best part is that grounding yourself is easy, especially when you do it regularly. So, here are some ways to ground yourself.
What is Grounding?
When you are “ungrounded,” you may feel anxious, stressed, or dissociative. Your mind is always thinking about your worries and troubles. Fortunately, you can use grounding techniques to feel relaxed and balanced.
Grounding is a way to connect with your body and mind so that you can bring yourself into the present moment. When you’re grounded, you feel calm and centered. Also, you know what’s happening around you because you’re connecting yourself to the environment. As such, you have a clear mind and can focus on your tasks.
Ways to Ground Yourself
1. Try Breathing Exercises
As you know, breathing exercises are excellent techniques to calm your mind and boost your energy. Experts recommend using the 4-7-8 breathing technique for grounding.
You can start this breathing technique by exhaling via your mouth. Then, inhale deeply for four seconds through your nose. Hold your breath for seven seconds and exhale for eight seconds through your mouth. You can repeat the process at least four times or until you feel calm and less stressed.
The 4-7-8 breathing technique is effective because it lets your body feel calm and safe. You may even notice less body tension after doing it.
2. Connect with Nature
One of the best ways to ground yourself is to connect with nature. The reason is that nature can help reduce your worries and stay present.
You can connect with nature in various ways, such as gardening, hiking, walking, or sitting outside. The goal is to engage your five senses and feel your surroundings. From there, you can appreciate all the things around you that make you feel calm.
3. Use the 5-4-3 Method
Another excellent grounding technique you can try to balance yourself is the 5-4-3 method. In fact, this technique is a simple yet effective way to reduce your worries and calm yourself. After all, using your senses can help you stay in the present moment.
As mentioned, the 5-4-3 method requires you to use your senses. To be specific, it involves noting five objects you can see, four sounds you can hear, and three scents you can smell. You can also add two objects you can touch and one food you can taste.
Final Thoughts
Many people have stressful schedules or lives that affect their quality of life. For instance, some of them struggle to get a good night’s rest, which can affect their work the following day. The good news is that you can use these ways to ground yourself to reduce stress and anxiety. Remember, you will feel empowered and motivated to finish your tasks when your body and mind are relaxed and at ease.
