We are getting back into the swing of things after all of the holiday "stuff", and that means the stress is slowly building again. School Activities...Work Tasks...Military Chaos...Life Happenings...and everything else. With recent events like the government shutdown, many people including military families can feel the stress even more, with upcoming PCS's, deployments, and/or TDY's, making these times particularly overwhelming.
It can all feel like too much! One thing that can help ground us is practicing mindfulness, which encourages us to stay in the present moment and enjoy life a bit more.
I have the perfect exercise to help you stay mindful this holiday season and ground yourself: Getting Grounded with Your 5 Senses. I love this and practice it daily. The best thing? It can be done anywhere, anytime, and with anyone, so get the whole family involved!
Here's how it works:
- Name 5 things you can see.
- Name 4 things you can feel.
- Name 3 things you can hear.
- Name 2 things you can smell.
- Name 1 thing you can taste.
In case you need a reminder, we have a printable version of the Getting Grounded with Your 5 Senses to help you focus and dial in on getting grounded. Print it out for your home, your car, your office...wherever you may need to get grounded!
So, I invite you to implement this exercise in your daily routines. It will help you ground yourself, be present, and truly savor the special moments.
I try to focus on the things that bring me joy in each moment. For me, getting back to nature and stepping outside, especially in the cold weather helps.
I have a challenge you: while going about your day, really take in all the sights, smells, and sensations. When you sit down, do the same. Acknowledge what you notice and try to relax and ground yourself in those moments. Hold space for yourself, because this year will have some stressful times.
Need a little extra boost of Zen? Try this!! I love is my Himalayan Salt Essential Oil Diffuser! It looks like a miniature fire place and turning it on with my favorite scents really helps awaken my senses and keeps me grounded.
I hope you can find time to get grounded today and every day! It is important for you and your family to be present. We know military life can have its challenging times, but make sure to stay on top of your mental health. You are so special and you need to remember that!
Explore More with My Military Lifestyle and Mental Health!