If you are anything like me, you probably have a tendency to be “in your head” a lot. Observing, reflecting, thinking, writing, etc.
The thing about being in your head though, is that it’s easy for you to “float away” and lose all awareness of your body and the external world. This isn’t good. You need to keep at least a couple of toes on the ground.
Chores
One of the best ways I know of to ground yourself is by doing simple daily chores. Doing the dishes, watering the plants, dusting, cleaning out the junk drawer – these are all activities that don’t require a lot of brain power, but do require you to be present. This may not seem like a very fun way to ground yourself, but these activities done mindfully are very peaceful.
The Outside
Another excellent way to ground yourself is simply to go outside. Just being around things that are green and alive tunes you into the rhythms of nature and helps you to remember what’s actually important.
Sensory Experiences
Doing activities that really engage your five senses also help to ground you. You could seek out activities that are particularly stimulating to your senses or you could just engage your senses more in your everyday activities. Being focused on the experience of external stimuli takes you out of your head and into your body.
these help and cooking too! 🙂
Hi Jen – Yes! Cooking is a great suggestion.
Amanda — I loved all your suggestions and Jen’s, as well. I also use freestyle dancing to ground myself. I just let the music move me without any particular style of dancing. It’s both fun and it definitely gets me “out of my head.”
Great post…thanks:~)
Hi Sara – Another good suggestion! Something that will really put you into your body. 🙂
Very good article, this is something I have a lot of trouble with. It seems I am always in my head, like you said think, reflecting, daydreaming etc.. Your suggestions are very helpful. What helped for me quite a bit, I started playing a sport (I’m not big on team sports, but it isn’t bad) . I play sand court volleyball, this also gets me out of the house and out of my comfort range (which is a good thing to do at least once in a while, IMO).
I really liked the chores, I do the same thing 😀
Hi Nick – Yeah, doing chores is one of the best ways. 🙂 Definitely, playing a sport, or really doing anything active, would help too. I find that anything that helps me put attention in my body, rather than my mind, works.
Oh yeah, and getting out of the house is always a good thing!