We live in a world that is increasingly fast, with many distractions and stressors. When our minds are racing, we sometimes need help to gain control over our thoughts and feelings. Grounding techniques are a simple and effective tool because they anchor us in the present moment, giving our brains a break. For a moment, we detach from challenging emotions and clear our minds. Often, this is what we need to get curious about our thoughts and feelings. When settle ourselves, we are better able to approach any thoughts or situations with a calm, clear mind.
In today’s Wellness Wednesday, we try a technique to help us ground ourselves.
Try this:
As a class, group, or family:
· Try a grounding exercise. This exercise can be done anywhere, to bring your focus to the present moment and feel more in control of your emotions.
· List these things out loud: to bring yourself back to the present moment.
o Five things you can see
o Four things you can touch
o Three things you can hear
o Two things you can smell (or like the smell of)
o One emotion you feel.
· When you finish the exercise, discuss how this could be a useful practise in your life, such times when you would like to be more present, when you feel overwhelmed, when you need to calm down, etc.
· Finally, plant your feet firmly on the ground, place your hand on your heart, take a deep breath in and out.
· Video versions: o FOR EDUCATORS: LDCSB version SEL VIDEO Just Notice.mp4 o FOR FAMILIES: "Just Notice" (1:02) https://youtu.be/DiMLznw9Ogs
Ask yourself, there is no wrong answer:
How do you think this grounding strategy could help in your life?
Connecting to our faith:
“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
God loves us and is always present. During times of unrest, we can lift our hearts to God and place full trust in His plan for us.
Further Learning:
· POSTER: https://smho-smso.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/SEL-Posters-Just-Notice.pdf
· SOCIAL MEDIA SHARABLE: https://smho-smso.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Pause-4-scaled.jpg · RESOURCE: CAMH’s “Self-management in the Moment” downloadable resource www.camh.ca/-/media/files/05-camh_helpeffort_selfmanagementinthemoment-pdf.pdf
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