It is no secret that many people struggle with anxiety in their daily lives. If you’re one of those people, one option to try is grounding techniques. Grounding can help you feel calmer and decrease your anxiety levels. When your mind is racing and you feel that you have no control, anxiety tends to increase. As you use these simple techniques to help you focus on the here and now, you’ll feel more of a sense of control and find that your mind is calmer.
This article will provide helpful ways to practice grounding through a variety of activities including yoga and meditation. We will also explore the science behind the connection between the earth and humans.
What Exactly Is Grounding?
Grounding, also called earthing, is a technique that involves activities that electrically connect you to the earth beneath you. Research published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health reports that this connection transfers energy from the earth to your body through electrons. This feeling of connection to the earth’s energy can help you stay in the present.
Grounding can help you feel better when you are experiencing high stress, anxiety, anger, panic attacks, or other uncomfortable emotions. It can be used as a quick and free tool that you can use at any point of your day. You do not need anything extra, all you need is focus and willingness to try something outside the box.
One key that can help with grounding is to focus on your surroundings. Techniques that help you focus on the here and now can include conscious breathwork, meditation, and yoga.
Why It Works to Calm You Down
The mind can be a beautiful tool to help you achieve your goals. At other times, the mind can be a hindrance in your recovery. You may struggle with racing thoughts or ruminating on past choices. Grounding can rewire the brain to think more positively. Once you begin to become calm and connected to the earth and your surroundings, you are less likely to think about the past negatively.
The whole point of grounding is to stop your brain from its original thought pattern and ground you back into the present moment. It is also to help you feel more comfortable inside of your body. How you choose to ground will be based on preference. Give yourself time and patience as it takes time to figure out what will work for you.
Perhaps you are curious as to the science behind the grounding method. When you start thinking about something stressful, your amygdala, a section of the brain located in the temporal lobe, leaps into action. The amygdala is part of your brain that is in control of your emotional responses, especially fear. It is great for emergencies. However, at times, it can kick into action when there is nothing to be afraid of. Grounding helps your amygdala to become less active as you live more in a state of calm and comfort.
5 Easy Grounding Techniques
Fortunately, you do not need any fancy tools to engage in this grounding. Grounding techniques can be practiced anywhere you are. All you need is a willingness to try and focus your thought processes on the present.
You can practice these techniques at any time during your recovery:
- Become mindful: Take a moment and look around you. What is happening? If a thought of using illicit substances surfaces, take an inventory of your feelings. How does your body feel? Be aware of your craving, acknowledge it, and remind yourself that it is just a thought, not an action.
- Earthing: The practice of earthing involves being barefoot while standing on the ground. To give it a try, take your shoes off and walk outside. You may notice an immediate shift in your mood. According to the Journal of Inflammation Research, earthing may help improve the immune system, decrease inflammation, and help with autoimmune conditions.
- Relax: Don’t rush through uncomfortable situations and feelings. Slow down. Acknowledge how you are feeling and give it attention. Take time for yourself to process feelings instead of staying busy and avoiding them.
- Connect to nature: Find a spot under a tree and start reading your favorite book. Take in all the nature that surrounds you. Breathe deep breaths and pay attention to how you feel.
- Place your feet on the ground: Any time you breathe deeply and consciously connect your feet to the ground (even if it’s your carpet or on concrete), you can feel better. It may help to imagine that there are roots, cords, or beams of light connecting you to the center of the earth. Breathe and allow yourself to feel connected to the gentle, welcoming, and powerful earth.
Offerings at the Guest House
At The Guest House, we are not an ordinary treatment center. We value each person’s individual needs and understand that the key to long-term recovery is connection. This is why we offer several different ways to connect to your sense of self through grounding.
At The Guest House, you will find an array of activities that you can participate in that practice grounding, from adventure therapy to yoga and meditation. Our main goal is to help you become healthier and happier. We offer a variety of resources toward that end.
It is helpful to be open to trying new healthy coping skills during your recovery. One effective technique you may want to try during recovery is grounding. Grounding teaches you to stay in the present moment and has an automatic calming effect on the body. These techniques can be tailored to fit your individual needs. Also, you have the power to practice as much or as little as you want. At The Guest House, we respect your individuality and provide countless ways for you to obtain the help you deserve. We understand that treatment can be scary. We make every effort to make it comfortable for you. Give us a call at (855) 483-7800 today.