Show 281 Wee Bit of Grounding

There are a lot of grounding techniques but one of the most accessible is to breathe. Specifically deep breathing. Breathing is a non-verbal way to communicate that it is ok, chill out, you are safe.

I went to the eye doctor to get my eyes checked. Unlike the dentist, I'm much more calm about the examination. I want my eyes taken care of and make sure they get what they need.

I'm an active participant. I can gamify the target test. It doesn't mean I'm not anxious, but I don't have as many triggers to set off an alarm as I do in a dental environment.

Grounding has multiple meanings depending on the context but what I mean by it is a technique that you can use to lovingly call your brain activity back to normal. It is a way to center yourself back to an internal safe place. 

Note the use of the word "lovingly". 

Yelling at your internal self to cut the crap and be normal will not work. The part of you that is freaking out cannot hear or understand verbal commands.

In this episode, a very easy method to practice deep breathing for grounding.

Resources Mentioned: 

Healthy Mind Innovations has a free app for meditation and relaxation skills called Healthy Mind Program app. It is available in the Google Play Store and on the Apple iOS store.

The University of Rochester Medical Center has a video on the 5,4, 3,2, 1 Hand on Heart Anxiety Reduction Technique. 

Verywell Mind has a full post about PTSD  grounding techniques , and some of the methods you can use to help bring it down a notch or two.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Disclaimer: 

Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.