Anxiety Relief: A Vancouver Anxiety Counsellor's Technique for a Calmer Mind
Written by: Kristie Burkett, RP-Qualifying, MACP Candidate
In the bustling city of Vancouver, finding peace can seem like a distant dream. There is hope to ease anxiety and feel more calm, even amongst the chaos of the city. Let's explore how you can incorporate a simple method into your daily routine for a more serene and controlled mindset.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is a common experience. It's the body's natural response to stress, characterized by feelings of fear, apprehension, and overwhelming thoughts about what's to come. While it can be daunting, knowing that you're not alone in this feeling is helpful in taking steps toward feeling better.
The Technique: Grounding Through Sensory Experience
Grounding through sensory experience is an effective tool to feeling more calm amidst anxiety. This method is straightforward yet powerful, focusing on using your senses to anchor your mind in the present moment, redirecting it away from future worries or past regrets.
How It Works
Find a Quiet Spot: Start by finding a quiet, comfortable place where you can sit or stand peacefully for a few minutes. This could be a cozy corner of your home, a bench in a nearby park, or even your office chair.
Engage Your Senses: Once settled, take a deep breath, and begin to engage each of your senses, one at a time.
Sight: Look around and name five things you can see. Try to notice the details like the color, texture, or any movement.
Touch: Notice four things you can feel. This could be the texture of your clothing, the breeze on your skin, or the surface you're sitting on.
Hearing: Close your eyes and listen for three sounds. It might be the distant hum of traffic, birds chirping, or the sound of your own breathing.
Smell: Identify two things you can smell. If you're inside, this might be a bit challenging, so it could help to have something like a scented candle or coffee nearby.
Taste: Finally, focus on one thing you can taste. This could be the lingering taste of a recent meal, a piece of gum, or even just the taste of your mouth.
The Benefits
The beauty of this technique lies in its simplicity and immediacy. By concentrating on your immediate sensory experiences, you're brought back to the present moment, a place where anxiety about the future or regrets about the past have no hold.
This method helps in slowing down racing thoughts, reducing stress, and enhancing mindfulness, contributing to a calmer and more focused mind.
Incorporating It Into Your Routine
Making this technique a part of your daily routine doesn't require significant changes to your lifestyle. You can practice it anytime you feel overwhelmed or just as a daily exercise to maintain a peaceful mindset. Whether it's during a lunch break at work, in the morning before you start your day, or in the evening to wind down, a few minutes of grounding can have a profound impact on your overall well-being.
A Journey Towards Calm
Remember, the path to managing anxiety is a journey, not a race. Every small step you take towards understanding and coping with your anxiety is progress. Techniques like grounding through sensory experience are tools in your arsenal, ready to help you navigate through challenging moments toward a calmer, more serene mind.
With simple, effective methods and the support of experienced counsellors, achieving a calmer, more grounded state of mind is within reach. Start your journey today, and discover the calm that lies within the present moment. Looking for additional tools? We can help. Book with one of our Vancouver Counsellors and find out how we can support you.