By Crystal Chan
Do you find your mind to be a rambunctious monkey who just would not quit jumping all over? Have you ever caught yourself so deep in thoughts that you don’t even notice what’s really happening around you?
Our mind is a wonderful tool because it allows us to recall things, to have thoughts, to plan, and to be innovative. But sometimes our mind can be so overwhelming that we get anxious just because of the things going on in our head, not in reality.
Here are couple of grounding exercises for you to get out of your head and get connected with the present moment:
Take 5: Look around, name 5 objects and 5 colors that’s in your immediate surroundings. Then, come up with 5 things that you can do with the 5 objects. You don’t have to actually do the things, but just list the actions.
Light exercise/stretching: Take a short walk (even just leaving and coming back to the room is fine) or do some stretches. These movements do not have to be complicated but focus on the sensation while you move – feel the muscle contracts and relaxes, feel the sensation when your body touches the floor or moves through the air. Try to engage your other senses too. For example, do you hear anything while you move?
We hope these exercises could give you some relief and create some space for yourself.
“Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.” Eleanor Roosevelt