Grounding can be an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety in early recovery. Grounding is a coping strategy that allows us to bring ourselves back into the present moment and pull ourselves out of the spiral of anxiety. When we begin to feel overwhelmed by stress or nearing panic, we can utilize a variety of techniques to “ground” ourselves in the moment. Techniques for grounding can vary widely, and include anything from taking a few deep breaths to prolonged mediation. Everyone is different, and different techniques may be more or less effective for each individual. According to Living Well, “It can be helpful to have a selection of grounding exercises that you can draw upon at different times. Just like no one technique works for all people, we often find that not all techniques work at all times. One thing you can do is look over some lists of grounding exercises and write down all the ones you think might work for you. Carry your personal list with you. Then, when you find yourself needing relief, you can run your eyes down your list and pick out the strategy that will be most helpful in that situation.” To effectively relieve anxiety through grounding, we utilize techniques that engage our senses. We may focus on our breathing or bring our attention to the feeling of our clothes on our body—anything that we can use to anchor ourselves in the present moment and keep our attention from engaging in our stress and anxiety. When we divert our attention from the thing that is causing our anxiety and choose instead to focus on how we are feeling and experiencing the world in the present moment, our fears begin to slip away. If we allow our thoughts to stay with our stressors, we will inadvertently compound the problem and even the simplest of tasks will feel overwhelming and impossible. Anxiety is extremely common in early recovery, and the development of healthy coping techniques like grounding can keep us from feeling like it is all too much for us. If we are to be successful in our recovery, we must learn how to handle these feelings in an effective and healthy way, without resorting to the fleeting relief provided by drugs or alcohol.
You can change your story and learn to face the world successfully. Addiction doesn’t have to control your life, and you can begin building a brighter future by seeking help now. Oceanfront Recovery, a treatment center in beautiful Laguna Beach, offers the opportunity to achieve and learn to maintain sobriety in a serene beachfront environment. For more information about individualized treatment options, please call today: (877) 279-1777
