Grounding meditation is a simple, powerful way to calm the mind and connect with your body. It also has a lot of other health benefits, such as reduced stress and inflammation levels.
It is especially effective for people with anxiety and panic attacks, as well as for people who have PTSD or who have experienced a traumatic flashback. However, it should not be used as a substitute for validated treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
There are many different ways to ground yourself, but they all focus on reorienting your senses in a way that redirects your attention from distressing thoughts to the present moment. Some of these techniques involve physical sensations (like putting your hands on running water), while others use mental distractions (such as counting slowly or reimagining something in detail).
You can practice grounding meditation anywhere, at any time, and especially during stressful moments when it may be more difficult to keep your feet on the ground. Some people find it useful to ground themselves before driving, preparing for social events or when they feel anxious or worried in a particular situation.
One of the most basic grounding exercises is to sit in a comfortable seat with your feet on the floor and imagine that they are connected to the base of a tree. Breathe deeply and allow the feeling of your feet connecting to the ground to help you refocus your attention away from distressing thoughts.