Grounding Techniques help with Stress Reduction
It’s no secret that first responders get a rush of adrenaline while responding to scenes. It’s stems from our fight or flight response and helps us stay safe.
What happens if your nervous system gets stuck in that mode? Panic attacks or anxiety can set in. It is a very uncomfortable feeling. Grounding exercises can help us get from the panic stage back to a normal state by helping our minds calm down into the present nonthreatening moment.
There are a variety of exercises. One of the most common is the 5-4-3-2-1
- 5 Things you can see
- 4 Things you can feel
- 3 Things you can hear
- 2 Things you can smell
- 1 Thing you can taste
By the time you get to the one thing you can taste you my and body are “grounded” in the present non-threatening reality that you are safe.
You can read about other exercises on the following links. Find the one that works for you, practice it and eventually it will become second nature when you feel anxiety come on.