Do you ever feel like you are doing a million things at once? Or like everything around you is moving so fast? There are ways to slow things down: Grounding techniques can help you focus on the present moment and to feel less distracted or “all over the place.”

What does it mean to feel grounded? For me, it is a sensation of being fully connected to myself and in the present moment. When I feel grounded, I feel more stable in my mind and body. For some, grounding is the sensation of their body connected to the surface beneath it—like a chair, the floor or the couch.

Grounding can come from different things, though. For me, being out in nature and taking in the feeling of the ground beneath me, the feeling of a gentle breeze, and the smell of the flowers or trees can all slow thing down, help me be in the moment. I also enjoy practicing yoga and breathing techniques to help ground me. Sometimes it’s the simple sensation of the chair supporting me while I am sitting at my desk at work.

For some, pressing the hands against each other with equal distribution of weight or letting the hands rest in and connect to the lap with palms facing down either open or in loose fists can help with a sense of grounding, helping connect them with the present.

What feels grounding for you? Perhaps petting your dog or cat, listening to certain types of music, or noticing what you see, touch or hear in the moment. Is there anything else that helps you to feel calm, connected and balanced?

Find what works for you

It can be helpful to try different techniques to see what works for you. And it might be different for you depending on the day! If you would like to try some exercises right now, watch this 9-minute video by Yoga Teacher Matthew Sanford and Greater Los Angeles VA Physician Indira Subramanian, MD. In this video, they discuss and practice some grounding techniques:

 

You can also check out the other Connecting Mind and Body sessions on the #LiveWholeHealth Series.

How else might you find ways to connect to the present moment? Mindfulness techniques help us do that by consistently bringing our attention to what is happening right here, right now. There are a variety of mindfulness practices and articles on VA News and lots of information when you search “Mindfulness”. You can also check out the Mindful Awareness section of the Whole Health website or the Mindfulness Coach Mobile App to learn about other ways to incorporate mindful awareness and be more present throughout your day.

Meditation and mindfulness sessions are also offered through many VA Medical Centers, along with other complementary and integrative health approaches, either virtually or in person as a part of Veteran’s health and well-being. Check with your provider or local Whole Health team to learn more.

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4 Comments

  1. Erica H. Franke March 27, 2023 at 21:02

    Liked this article on Grounding very much. I am a transgender women waited until I was 70 to do so. But glad I did. I feel at best while walking my two dogs and riding my bike. At 74 I’m not ready to sit around. Sometimes trying different things like trying to repair things that go wrong around the home is a challenge but rewarding. I went into the Army very young leaned allot but made a few mistakes as well that I wish I could correct.

  2. Ricardo Lugo Ramos March 16, 2023 at 21:24

    Keep the good tips flowing so others can analyze; and if it works for them the resolution will be for a better quality of life. God Bless America.

  3. Sharon E. Edwards March 16, 2023 at 21:03

    Mind and Bodywellness is perfect during the days of cloudiness and cold weather.

  4. I’m March 16, 2023 at 07:41

    Thanks, not patronizing or corny at all. We’re now at least partially feeling better.

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