This mindfulness technique can help bring us back to the present when our thoughts become unpleasant, anxious, or loud.
5-4-3-2-1 is a sensory grounding technique, meaning we rely on our senses to anchor us back to the "now". You can do this anywhere, anytime and, chances are, nobody will even know you're doing it!
Take a look around you and find:
- 5 things you can see
- 4 things you can feel
- 3 things you can hear
- 2 things you can smell
- 1 thing you can taste
- We become more in touch with our present surroundings
- We start to pay attention & become aware of what's around us
- We distract & interrupt our anxiety loop
Repeat this as many times as necessary. You don't have to follow this precisely - feel free to create your own unique variation that works best for you!