“Grounding”
I used to think it was woo-woo and didn’t really mean much.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized it is real (LOL) and it is a great practice to feel more settled when situations around you are changing or out of your control. Grounding has opened the door to allow me to focus on calming my racing mind, finding my true self, and reconnecting with the present moment. All of these help me to find a sense of peace and stability.
While I’m learning to find my routine I’m realizing I don’t feel settled in various ways. Grounding is something I am seriously working on. It’s normal to feel a bit lost or unsettled when familiar routines and comforts shift, but, remember, there’s an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and find a sense of emotional grounding.
8 Practical Steps to Feeling Emotionally Grounded
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
The first step to feeling grounded is to simply acknowledge what you’re feeling. It’s okay to feel a mix of emotions. Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up without judgment. I know, I know, easier said than done! I’ll get into journal prompts more in future posts, but writing in a journal can really be a helpful way to explore what you’re feeling. Putting your thoughts on paper can bring clarity and help release pent-up feelings. Getting how you’re feeling out of your head and down on paper creates space for calm and grounding.
2. Reconnect with Your Body
Grounding yourself physically helps you stay present and feel more centered. Start by paying attention to your breathing—take deep, slow breaths to help calm your nervous system and bring you back to the moment. Try engaging in physical activities that make you feel good, like yoga, stretching, or gentle exercise.
3. Establish a Routine
When everything around you feels like it’s in flux, establishing a routine can provide a sense of stability and predictability. Create small daily rituals that bring you comfort and joy, like enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning, practicing mindfulness, or going for an evening walk. These routines don’t have to be elaborate—the goal is to have something steady that you can rely on each day. Over time, these small routines can help you feel more grounded, even when life is unpredictable.
4. Lean on Your Support System
It’s easy to feel isolated during times of change, but you don’t have to navigate this alone. Reach out to friends, family, or communities that understand and support you. Sharing your experiences with others who care can provide comfort, reassurance, and perspective. Sometimes, just knowing that someone is there to listen can help you feel more connected and grounded. Warm hug.
5. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Even just a few minutes of mindful breathing each day can calm your mind and help you feel more centered. You can find guided meditations online that focus specifically on grounding and stability. Find a practice that resonates with you, whether it’s a breathing exercise, body scan, or visualization, and make it a part of your daily routine.
6. Embrace Self-Compassion
It’s perfectly okay to feel uncertain and to not have everything figured out. Treat yourself with the same gentleness and patience you would offer a friend going through a similar experience. Engage in self-care activities that nourish your body and soul, whether that’s taking a warm bath (my favorite), reading a favorite book, or simply taking a moment to breathe deeply. Remember, finding your footing is a process, not a race.
7. Set Small, Achievable Goals
When life feels overwhelming, setting small, manageable goals can help you regain a sense of control and purpose. Start with simple tasks, like organizing a space in your home, completing a work project, or learning something new. Achieving these small goals can boost your confidence and help you feel more grounded and capable, one step at a time.
8. Allow Yourself Time
Finally, remember that feeling grounded is not something that happens overnight. It takes time to adjust to new circumstances and find a sense of stability. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself the grace to take things one day at a time. Healing and grounding are gradual processes, and it’s okay to move at your own pace.
As we know, change, although difficult, offers a unique chance for growth and self-discovery. By acknowledging your feelings, reconnecting with your body, establishing routines, leaning on your support system, practicing mindfulness, embracing self-compassion, setting achievable goals, and giving yourself time, you can begin to feel more emotionally grounded. Trust in yourself, and know that you are not alone on this journey.
We got this!
