An insight on the 54321 method to anxiety control

A quick and helpful guide to grounding your anxiety.

#5: Acknowledge 5 things you 'see' around you. For instance, "I see a water bottle, or a chair".

#4: Acknowledge 4 things you can 'touch' around you. For example, start with you hair/a pillow/a book

#3: Find 3 things that you can "hear" around you. Try to listen for a car driving nearby, a dog barking or even someone's footsteps

#2: Acknowledge 2 things around you that you can "smell". It may help to step outdoors for this one, or any space which may consist of significant smells that you can identify

#1: Acknowledge 1 thing that you can "taste". Think about what you had for breakfast this morning, the gum you're chewing, coffee, etc.

That was an exercise to help you, when undergoing an anxiety attack. This method is known to help a person release stress and focus again. This grounding technique aids in distracting themselves from any anxiousness or challenging emotions. It helps to refocus on the present and relieve you of the stress that may have caused the anxiety attack. If you are with someone when they may be going through an anxiety attack, suggest this method to them. Start by taking in big and long breaths to help you return to a calmer state of mind, before beginning the exercise.