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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

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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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