YMCA Healthy Living Magazine Spring 2022 | Page 19

BY GROUNDING OURSELVES , OUR THOUGHTS , FEELINGS AND BODILY SENSATIONS EXERT LESS CONTROL OVER US , AND WE CAN RETURN OUR FOCUS TO WHAT IS HAPPENING IN OUR PRESENT LIVES .

Grounding through the body and movement
} Get up and start to move around , notice each step as you walk around
} Put on some music and move your body however you feel comfortable , it may be gentle swaying or you might want to jump around dancing , whatever feels right in the moment } Stretch your body , noticing the feelings in your body as you move your limbs around } Go for a swim , a walk or head to your local gym .
Checking in with yourself
Grounding techniques help to remind you physically and physiologically of where you are , so try asking yourself some of the following questions :
} What is the day , date , year ? } Where am I right now ( be specific ) } Where am I headed ? } How old am I ?
Although grounding techniques are effective when you feel distressed and overwhelmed , it can be useful to practice these when you ’ re calm and relaxed .
Grounding exercises and becoming more present takes practice and time , so treat the exercises like you would a muscle , training regularly will build your capacity . And the benefit of these techniques is twofold ; to calm and reconnect your body and mind , as well as to anchor yourself back into your present life so you can experience more of it !
YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE 19