This weekly blog series offers a collection of diverse and effective coping techniques that can reduce stress, improve mental and emotional well-being, and perhaps make you even more effective in achieving your individual goals. Check back every Monday morning for the newest skill of the week.

“I like mental grounding techniques because they give you something active to do with your brain in order to refocus  the mind when you feel  overwhelmed or stressed. These activities do not require specific tools and can be used anytime, anywhere.” ~ Dr. Katie Godfrey, LMFT

Mental Grounding Exercises

Play a categories game: Look around the room and identify things (out loud or in your mind) in various categories. Find three blue things, four square things, five things that represent nature to you, etc.

Do mental math: Count backwards from 100 by 7’s. When you have that number sequence memorized, change the starting point.

Describe an activity: In great detail, as if you are describing it to someone who would literally follow each instruction as stated, describe an everyday activity. Tying a shoe, starting a car, or changing a diaper are all good places to start.

These mental grounding techniques help you gain control over your feelings and stay present.