What is Grounding and is it personal choice?

To be grounded means to be aware of our surroundings and to know the difference between what is real and what is not

What is grounding? Is it personal choice how you go about it? What keeps a person grounded in life?

The key things are to stay focused on present, be strong in sense of self worth and have a sense of purpose. As a result these provide stability, calmness and connection especially during times of stress, anxiety or when feeling overwhelmed.

Some signs of not being grounded include

  • on the one hand the mind racing everywhere and busy and on the other hand not focusing on one thing
  • similarly, easily distracted to avoid certain tasks
  • like a leaf in the wind, very vulnerable and thrown off balance quickly
  • feeling triggered, flooded or reactive.

Understandably grounding techniques vary and may include activities like deep breathing, guided meditation, sensory awareness exercises, journalling. Likewise physical movement such as walking in the forest or sea, dancing, and other practices that promote a sense of being connected to the here and now.

When you get that feeling of “not quite right” I suggest you try one or some of the above mentioned activities. It is a good idea to incorporate some into everyday life. For example keep a journal making entries regularly. Daily meditation, even if ony a few minutes, can make a big difference to your stability. Physical exercise is easy to add to each day and help keep the equilibrium!

Tama enjoys a walk in the forest for grounding

Top 5 Benefits

Here are the top five most sought-after benefits of grounding:

  1. Stress Reduction: A highly sought after benefit of grounding is the ability to effectively reduce stress and find calm amidst life’s challenges. Being able to disconnect from stressors and regain a sense of tranquility is crucial for mental well-being.
  2. Anxiety Management: It is valuable to have grounding techniques that help manage anxiety. They promote a sense of control over racing thoughts and worries. Many people seek grounding to alleviate the impact of anxiety on their daily lives.
  3. Emotional Regulation: The skill of understanding and regulating emotions through grounding practices is highly desirable. Emotional balance and the ability to respond thoughtfully to emotions are key components of psychological health.
  4. Improved Mindfulness: Many individuals seek the benefits of heightened mindfulness that grounding provides, including increased appreciation for the present moment, a deeper connection with surroundings, and a greater sense of gratitude.
  5. Better Sleep: Quality sleep is a sought-after benefit. For example inducing relaxation and reducing mental chatter before bedtime will make it appealing for those looking to improve their sleep patterns.

These benefits address a range of mental, emotional, and physical well-being needs. This makes grounding a valuable practice for individuals seeking holistic improvement in their daily lives

Different techniques work better for different individuals, therefore it’s useful to explore and find the ones that resonate with you the most.