If you ever find yourself feeling stressed, burned out, or overwhelmed, you're not alone.
Stress is universal, and it looks different for everyone. Stress can be triggered by external factors, like the state of the world, job loss, and familial situations, or it can also caused by internal factors like limiting beliefs, self-doubt, and the unnecessary pressure we often put on ourselves. When stressed, we're often running on catabolic energy, and burnout happens when the mind runs you instead of you running your mind. And to stop your mind from running, the key is to get grounded.
Getting grounded is a simple and accessible way to ease tension and anxiety in the present moment, and knowing how to do it will help you manage your anxiety in the long-term. After all, stress management can’t be solved in 30 minutes, but it can be managed one consistent step at a time. Stress management is a commitment to yourself, and it starts today. Commit to trying one or more of the grounding steps below each time you feel yourself in need of relief. Above all else, go easy on yourself.
10 Stress-Relief Steps To Get Grounded
Breathe: start by closing your eyes and taking three deep breaths.
Make space: create a sacred space (or multiple!) in your home. Fill it with things that bring you ease (i.e. a Himalayan salt lamp or essential oils like lavender, frankincense, and eucalyptus).
Practice yoga: grounding poses include tree pose, mountain pose, downward facing dog and child's pose. (Because sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is take a child’s pose in the middle of the afternoon!)
Go outside: get some fresh air and go for a walk! And if there's sunshine? Soak it in! Connecting with nature can do wonders for easing anxiety.
Stay still: linger in bed in the mornings. Go ahead and meditate there, journal there, and breathe there before you jump out to start your day.
Meditate: meditation is a great way to root into the present moment and ease anxiety. Check out some of our favorite meditations!
Listen to music: choose (or create!) a playlist that reminds you of good times and listen to music that triggers a positive memory.
Walk barefoot: put your feet on the ground and think of walking around barefoot as a moving meditation. (Dancing optional!)
Stretch: get up and stretch your body throughout the day. Little stretch breaks go a long way!
Add the tips above to your stress relief toolbox for whenever you're in need of peace of mind, but know that you don't need to do all of these to feel grounded. Try which ones work for you, mix it up, and keep them in your toolbox. Remember: you don't need to do it all, and one step is always enough.