When It’s Spinning Out of Control
We’ve all had those moments where life feels like it’s spinning out of control. The kind where your mind races, your heart pounds, and it feels impossible to catch your breath. Heck if you’re like me, you might feel that every day! When everything’s swirling around you, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Recently I heard about this really simple strategy called “Sensory Grounding” and I have loved using it. It’s a way to reconnect with the present moment and anchor yourself by tapping into your five senses, and it can help you find a little bit of calm when things feel chaotic.
Here’s how you can do it:
Look around.
Find five things you can see. It could be the color of your Yeti/Stanley/Walmart cup, the leaves rustling outside your window, or even the way the light catches the edge of a picture frame. Focus on those little details.
Feel.
Now, identify four things you can touch. Maybe it’s the pen in your hand, the softness of your favorite sweater, or the coolness of your desk. Let yourself truly notice how they feel.
Listen.
Pay attention to three sounds around you. It might be the hum of your computer, the distant sound of traffic, or even your own breath. Just listen, without trying to change anything.
Smell.
What are two scents you can pick up on right now? It could be the smell of fresh coffee, a candle, or the fresh air coming through the window. Take a moment to breathe it in.
Taste.
Finally, focus on one thing you can taste. It might be your morning coffee/soda, a mint, or just the taste in your mouth. Let yourself notice it.
Sensory grounding is like a little reset button for your emotions and your brain. It brings you back to what’s real and present, instead of letting your mind run wild with worry or stress. So, the next time things start feeling overwhelming, take a minute to check in with your senses. You might just find that little bit of calm needed to push through.
