Grounding exercises for stressful moments
Effective grounding exercises include box breathing, sitting outside and naming 5 things you can see, doing a slow stretch, or placing your hands under cold water.
Grounding works by pulling your attention from abstract worries into concrete, physical sensations. Your body is always in the present moment — your mind sometimes needs to be reminded of that.
Grounding exercises
6 activities
- wellness
Follow a 10-minute yoga flow
10–20 minmedium - wellness
Make your favourite hot drink mindfully
5–10 minlow - wellness
Do a 5-minute full-body stretch
5–8 minlow - wellness
Do a 5-minute breathing exercise
4–7 minlow - wellness
Follow a 10-minute guided meditation
10–15 minlow - wellness
Sit outside for 10 minutes without your phone
10–15 minlow
Frequently asked questions
What is grounding and does it actually work?
Grounding is a set of techniques that redirect attention from internal distress to present-moment sensations. Research supports its effectiveness for anxiety, dissociation, and stress. Breathing exercises and the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory technique are the most studied.
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