Thought:
Tip:
One way to bring a restless mind back to center is to use a technique called “Five Senses”. It is a grounding exercise that helps one focus on what is in the immediate instead of the past or the future. Try it when you are feeling frazzled, anxious, frustrated or unfocused.
- Take a deep breath. Hold it for 1…2…3…seconds. Release it: 3…2…1
- Focus on your surroundings. Name 5 things you can see. Name them out loud. “I see the painting on the wall…I see the red chair…”
- What do you hear? Name 4 things that you can hear. Name them out loud. “I hear the scraping of the chair…I hear a door close…”
- Name 3 things that you can feel. Name them out loud. “I feel my sweater on my skin…I feel the sweat on my forehead…”
- Name 2 things that you can smell. Name them out loud. “I smell the scent of my lotion…I smell the air freshener…” If you can not smell anything, name two favorite smells.
- Lastly, name 1 thing that you can taste. Name it out loud. “I taste my peppermint…” If you can not smell anything, name your favorite taste.”
- Now that you have completed the exercise, breath. Hold for 3…2…1. Release it: 3…2…1.
Thanks:
I am grateful for parents and parent in-laws that love spending time with our children. This weekend, my kids enjoyed their time with my parents and I was truly thankful for that.