Welcome to week two of grounding techniques. This week, I am covering the ground technique, “Categories.”
If you have missed any part of the series, click here to catch up! As always, remember my disclaimer before practicing any mental health information.
What is Grounding?
Everyone reacts differently to trauma; it is normal to experience the effects well after the event. People may struggle with flashbacks, nightmares, hyper-vigilance, and anxiety. These experiences can make day-to-day life a struggle, which in turn could lead to depression. Practicing grounding can help keep worrisome thoughts at bay. While you can not change what happened, you can learn how to gain more control of the after-effects.
Grounding is the act of bringing the mind back to the present by distracting it from unwanted activities. The activities take the form of ruminating thoughts, painful memories, or persistent worrying. Grounding techniques are the mode in which grounding can be achieved. They can be used to help with symptoms of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxiety, disassociation, or self-harm urges. The techniques use physical, mental, and soothing methods to navigate a calmer state.
Categories
Today we are going to look at the grounding technique categories. Organizing and grouping information is a mental health grounding technique that can help to bring clarity and structure during overwhelming thoughts and emotions. This technique can help to reduce stress and anxiety by making complex information easier to understand and manage. This process involves sorting information into similar groups based on shared characteristics or attributes. This technique works by selecting a category and naming as many items as possible. Take your time with each selection, spending at least three minutes on each one.
Some categories include:
- Countries
- States
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Books
- Movies
- TV Shows
- Albums
- Stores
- etc.
In the context of mental health, organizing and grouping can be used to manage thoughts, feelings, and emotions by focusing on something else.
Categories can also be applied to manage tasks and responsibilities, breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable parts and reducing stress and anxiety.
The methods for organizing and grouping information vary, from writing, drawing, or using a digital tool; it is necessary to find one that fits you and that you enjoy using.
Incorporating this technique into your daily routine can positively impact mental health and well-being. It can bring structure and clarity to overwhelming thoughts and emotions, reducing stress and anxiety symptoms.
If you are looking for ways to enhance your mental health and reduce stress, consider incorporating this grounding technique into your daily routine.
Pro-Tip
If you find this exercise is not sufficient in distracting your mind, try listing the items in alphabetical order.