5, 4, 3, 2, 1 — a simple grounding exercise to calm anxiety — Calm Blog (2024)

Written By Calm Editorial Team

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 — a simple grounding exercise to calm anxiety — Calm Blog (2)

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA

Anxiety derailing your day? Get to know the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 grounding method — a simple exercise for calming the mind that can alleviate anxiety in minutes.

In an unpredictable world, it's easy to get caught up in stress and anxiety. Grounding techniques offer a practical way to pull your focus back from what's worrying you and return you to the present moment. They're especially helpful for calming the body's fight-or-flight response and achieving a more balanced state of mind.

Why are grounding techniques helpful?

Stress and anxiety have become common, almost daily, experiences for most of us. Between work deadlines, social responsibilities, and life's uncertainties, it's no wonder many of us feel on edge. That's why learning effective ways to calm your mind in stressful situations is so essential for maintaining your mental health.

This is where grounding techniques come into play. By shifting your attention from unsettling thoughts to the here and now, these exercises provide quick relief from anxiety and contribute to your overall mental wellbeing.

💙 If you’re struggling with anxiety, try our series on Overcoming Stress and Anxiety.

The 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 grounding technique

The 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 technique is one of the easiest mindfulness strategies designed for managing stress and anxiety, as it can be done almost anywhere and at any time. It’s also one of the most effective. Using the fives sense to ground you in the present moment, this is how it works.

5 | Name 5 things you can see

Take a moment to spot five things in your immediate environment. Whether it's a basic office chair or a cherished family photo, the goal is to really see the details—like color, form, and texture. By diverting your focus to your sense of sight, you disrupt the cycle of anxious or stressful thoughts.

4 | Name 4 things you can hear

Close your eyes and listen to the ambient noises around you. They could be anything from a fan humming to birds singing, or people talking in the distance. Identifying these sounds helps steer your mind away from inward worries and more toward the world around you, anchoring you in the present moment.

3 | Name 3 things you can feel

Concentrate on the sense of touch to further ground yourself. Become aware of three things you can feel. They could be the fabric of your clothes against your skin, the texture of an item you're holding, or the solidity of the floor under your feet.

2 | Name 2 things you can smell

Take a deep breath and identify two distinct smells around you. They could be the welcoming aroma of fresh coffee or the clean scent of hand soap. Tuning into these smells helps shift your focus from looping thoughts to your immediate surroundings, reinforcing your connection to the present moment.

1 | Name 1 thing you can taste

Finally, focus on your sense of taste. You might want to take a sip of water,, or simply focus on the lingering flavor of toothpaste in your mouth. Centering on this final sense completes the cycle and firmly brings you back to the present moment.

💙 Try the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 technique as a guided meditation with Tamara Levitt.

How the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 technique works

More than just a quick fix, the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 technique is a mindfulness exercise that can help you get a handle on your state of mind, especially when dealing with social anxiety or situations where you need to calm down quickly. The beauty of this method lies in its ability to shift your focus and engage your senses, helping you to relax.

Calms the nervous system

When you experience stress or anxiety, your body's fight or flight system is activated, releasing hormones like adrenaline. This state of hyper-alertness is evolutionary but not always beneficial in modern life. The 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 technique works by counteracting the fight or flight response, bringing your nervous system back to a more balanced state.

💙 Try Sigh of Relief to help regulate your nervous system.

Can offer supportive to those with PTSD

Navigating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be incredibly difficult, but grounding techniques provide potential relief.

Disclaimer: While helpful, the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 technique isn't the only tool that people experiencing PTSD should rely on. If you are dealing with severe post-traumatic stress, please reach out to your healthcare provider to ensure you receive proper clinical care or therapeutic support.

💙 Feeling panicked? Try this guided practice.

Aids with panic and stress management

Stress often occurs due to a focus on past regrets or future worries. This exercise serves as an effective stress management tool, forcing your mind to focus on the present moment. The technique is easy to remember and doesn't require any special equipment, making it accessible anytime you need to manage stress.

💙 Try SOS Breath Work if you find yourself in a panicked state.

Can ease social anxiety

Social situations can often be overwhelming and may trigger social anxiety. Using the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 technique helps to ground and calm you, enabling you to be more present in social interactions.

💙 Explore Meaningful Practice for Meaningful Friendship if you’re struggling with social anxiety.

Assists with grounding

Besides its immediate calming effects, practicing the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 technique regularly can improve your overall emotional regulation and make you feel more grounded during a multitude of situations in life. This is because the exercise empowers you to take control of your mental state so you feel confident to confront and handle emotional challenges.

💙 Try Pump the Brakes on Stress with Jay Shetty.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 exercise for anxiety FAQs

What is the 54321 method?

The 54321 (or 5, 4, 3, 2, 1) method is a grounding exercise designed to manage acute stress and reduce anxiety. It involves identifying 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. By doing so, it helps shift your focus from anxiety-provoking thoughts to the present moment.

What is the 5-sense method?

The 5-sense method is essentially another name for the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 technique. It leverages the power of your five senses—sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste—to redirect your attention away from distressing thoughts and emotions. By focusing on sensory experiences, the method aims to ground you in the here and now.

Why does the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 coping technique work?

The 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 method works because it engages multiple senses, requiring you to concentrate on the present environment rather than dwell on anxiety-inducing thoughts. This interrupts the fight or flight response, calming the nervous system and reducing symptoms of anxiety or stress almost immediately. Moreover, it can serve as the first step toward long-term coping strategies for mental wellness.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for anxiety?

The 3-3-3 rule is another grounding technique aimed at reducing anxiety. In this method, you identify 3 things you can see, 3 things you can touch, and then take 3 deep breaths. While it’s less comprehensive than the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 method, it serves a similar purpose—providing quick relief from acute anxiety by refocusing your attention on the present moment. In the end, choose whatever method works best for you.

See Also
The 4 C’s

Calm your mind. Change your life.

Mental health is hard. Getting support doesn't have to be. The Calm app puts the tools to feel better in your back pocket, with personalized content to manage stress and anxiety, get better sleep, and feel more present in your life.

` const popupFortyOffHtml = `

Limited Time Offer! 40% off Calm Premium

  • 50,000+ minutes of premium content
  • New guided content every week
  • Cancel anytime

Get Calm Premium

` const popupEmailHtml = `

Sign up for free tips to sleep more and feel better

  • Exclusive discounts to Calm Premium
  • Free newsletter with tips and content to help with your mental health journey

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Something went wrong while submitting the form. Try again.

By clicking Submit, you consent to receiving marketing and informational messages from Calm about its products and services.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 — a simple grounding exercise to calm anxiety — Calm Blog (8)

`const handlePopup = () => {if (document.documentElement.scrollTop >= (height * percentOfPage)) {scrollDistance = window.pageYOffsetpopup.classList.add('active')overlay.classList.add('active')body.classList.add('popup-active')body.style.top = `${scrollDistance * -1}px`amplitude.track(`Blog : Popup CTA : Seen`, { page_name: currentPath, calm_user_id: null, cta_name: `${popupName} Popup` });}}const handleClosePopup = () => {popup.classList.remove('active')overlay.classList.remove('active')body.classList.remove('popup-active')body.style.top = nullwindow.scrollBy(0, scrollDistance); amplitude.track(`Blog : CTA : Clicked`, { page_name: currentPath, calm_user_id: null, cta_name: `${popupName} Popup Dismiss` });document.removeEventListener('scroll', handlePopup)document.cookie = 'calmblogtrial=1; max-age=31536000; path=/;'localStorage.setItem('calmblogtrial', 1)}const popupInit = (popupHtml, popupEventName) => { popupName = popupEventNamedocument.body.insertAdjacentHTML('afterbegin', popupHtml)popup = document.getElementById('popup')overlay = document.getElementById('popupOverlay')const closeBtn = document.getElementById('closePopupBtn') const popupLinks = document.querySelectorAll('.popup-link')document.addEventListener('scroll', handlePopup)overlay.addEventListener('click', handleClosePopup)closeBtn.addEventListener('click', handleClosePopup) popupLinks.forEach(link => { link.addEventListener('click', () => { amplitude.track(`Blog : CTA : Clicked`, { page_name: currentPath, calm_user_id: null, cta_name: `${popupName} Popup Success` }); }) })}if (!popupAlreadyShown) { if (trialUrls.includes(currentPath)) popupInit(popupTrialHtml, 'Free Trial') else if (fortyOffUrls.includes(currentPath)) popupInit(popupFortyOffHtml, '40_Off') else if (emailUrls.includes(currentPath)) popupInit(popupEmailHtml, 'Email') }}); // web2app blockdocument.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function () { // Step 1: Detect if the user is on a mobile device var isMobile = /iPhone|iPad|iPod|Android/i.test(navigator.userAgent) || (window.innerWidth <= 768); if (isMobile) { // Steps 2 and 3: Generate OneLink URL and prepare the HTML snippet (Mobile Only) var currentPath = window.location.pathname; var oneLinkURL = "https://calm.onelink.me/msVo"; var webReferrer = "af_sub1"; var mediaSource = { defaultValue: "calm_blog" }; var campaign = { defaultValue: currentPath }; var custom_ss_ui = { paramKey: "af_ss_ui", defaultValue: "true" }; var newUrl = window.AF_SMART_SCRIPT.generateOneLinkURL({ oneLinkURL: oneLinkURL, webReferrer: webReferrer, afParameters: { mediaSource: mediaSource, campaign: campaign, afCustom: [custom_ss_ui] } }).clickURL; const htmlSnippet = `

Start your 14-day free trial of Calm Premium.

Full access to 50,000+ minutes of content and tools

Guided courses and plans to help you reach your specific goals

Personalized recommendations based on your preferences

Gentle reminders to help you build a practice

Download App for Free

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 — a simple grounding exercise to calm anxiety — Calm Blog (9)5, 4, 3, 2, 1 — a simple grounding exercise to calm anxiety — Calm Blog (10)

`; // Modify as needed // Step 4 (Mobile): Find and replace all 'trial-cta' elements const trialCtaElements = document.querySelectorAll('.trial-cta:not(#popup)'); if (trialCtaElements.length) { trialCtaElements.forEach(function(element) { element.outerHTML = htmlSnippet; }); } else { // Step 5 (Mobile Only): Handle case where 'trial-cta' is not found const targetElement = document.querySelector('.blog-item-content .sqs-block.html-block.sqs-block-html'); if (targetElement) { targetElement.insertAdjacentHTML('afterend', htmlSnippet); } } }}); // Email form code document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() { var customHTML = `

Stress less, sleep more, and feel better with Calm.

Find out how Calm can support you on your mental health journey.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Something went wrong while submitting the form. Try again.

By clicking Submit, you consent to receiving marketing and informational messages from Calm about its products and services.

`; var targetElement = document.querySelector('.sections'); if (targetElement) { targetElement.insertAdjacentHTML('afterend', customHTML); }}); // Email form success/errordocument.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() { emailFormHandler()}); // Harry Styles Audio Sample document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() { const excludedPaths = [ '/blog/calma-sutra-sleep-positions', '/blog/kevin-bacon-dream-boat', '/blog/calm-calendars', ]; const currentPath = window.location.pathname; if (excludedPaths.includes(currentPath) || currentPath.includes('content/de')) { return; // Exit the script if the current URL is in the excluded list } const blogWrapper = document.querySelector('.col.sqs-col-12.span-12'); if (blogWrapper) { const allRows = [...blogWrapper.querySelectorAll('.row.sqs-row')]; const filteredRows = allRows.filter(row => row.querySelector('img') && row.querySelector('a')); const newHtml = `

Listen to the full audio on Calm, the #1 app for sleep, meditation and relaxation

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 — a simple grounding exercise to calm anxiety — Calm Blog (11)

Fall asleep and fall in love with the dreamy voice of Harry Styles.

Try Calm for Free

`; if (filteredRows.length > 0) { const secondFilteredRow = filteredRows[1]; secondFilteredRow.insertAdjacentHTML('afterend', newHtml); secondFilteredRow.style.display = 'none'; } else { const htmlBlockDiv = blogWrapper.querySelector('.sqs-block.html-block.sqs-block-html'); if (htmlBlockDiv) { htmlBlockDiv.insertAdjacentHTML('afterend', newHtml); } } }}); // Audio Sample Functionality Codewindow.onload = function() { // Replace 'audioFileURL' with the direct link to your audio file const audioFileURL = 'https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57b5ef68c534a5cc06edc769/t/65a78d86aa34af6af3428203/1705479566073/SLEP_0184_DreamWithMe_EN_2CH_MK_20230802_HomepageCutdown.mp3/original/SLEP_0184_DreamWithMe_EN_2CH_MK_20230802_HomepageCutdown.mp3'; // Getting the play/pause button by its ID and icons by their IDs const playPauseButton = document.getElementById('harry-styles-sleep-story-play-pause-button'); const playIcon = document.getElementById('harry-styles-sleep-story-play-icon'); const pauseIcon = document.getElementById('harry-styles-sleep-story-pause-icon'); // Check if elements exist if (playPauseButton && playIcon && pauseIcon) { // Initially hide the pause icon pauseIcon.style.display = 'none'; // Creating the audio object const audio = new Audio(audioFileURL); // Event listener for play/pause button playPauseButton.addEventListener('click', function() { if (audio.paused) { audio.play(); playIcon.style.display = 'none'; pauseIcon.style.display = 'block'; } else { audio.pause(); playIcon.style.display = 'block'; pauseIcon.style.display = 'none'; } }); // Dispatch the custom event after the player is ready let e = new Event("amplitudeaudioloaded"); document.dispatchEvent(e); }}; // Harry Styles Tracking Codedocument.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() { // Function to extract a specific part of the URL slug function getSlugPart() { var path = window.location.pathname; // Get the pathname of the URL var slug = path.split('/').pop(); // Split the pathname by '/' and get the last part return slug || 'Unknown'; // Return the slug part or 'Unknown' if it's not available } // Function to set UTM parameters on the specified button/link function setUTMParameters() { var slugPart = getSlugPart(); // Get the specific part of the slug var buttonLink = document.getElementById('harry-styles-sleep-story-cta-button'); // Select the button/link with the specified ID if (buttonLink) { var originalUrl = buttonLink.href; var utmParameters = `utm_source=blog&utm_campaign=${encodeURIComponent(slugPart)}&utm_medium=organic`; // UTM parameters with the slug part var separator = originalUrl.includes('?') ? '&' : '?'; // Determine if we need to start with '?' or append with '&' buttonLink.href = `${originalUrl}${separator}${utmParameters}`; // Append UTM parameters to the URL } } setUTMParameters(); // Execute the function when the page loads}); // Quiz Flow Tracking Codedocument.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() { var currentPath = window.location.pathname; // Define the lists of allowed URLs for each HTML snippet var allowedUrlsSnippet1 = [ '/blog/coffee-nap', '/blog/your-child-wont-sleep', '/blog/introducing-liminal-sleep-by-sigur-ros', '/blog/sunday-night-sleep-troubles', '/blog/sleep-tracking-orthosomnia', '/blog/bedtime-yoga', '/blog/screen-time-before-bed', '/blog/view-from-above', '/blog/golf-best-sport-to-cure-insomnia', '/blog/power-nap', '/blog/afternoon-slump', '/blog/sleep-myths-tips-to-optimize-sleep', '/blog/the-trail-to-machu-picchu', '/blog/wild-sweden', '/blog/sleep-paralysis', '/blog/how-to-prevent-nightmares', '/blog/black-rest-brittney-oliver-black-history-month', '/blog/7-sleep-myths-busted', '/blog/sleep-languages', '/blog/sleep-schedule-in-flux', '/blog/waking-up-tired', '/blog/the-jk-rowling-of-slow-literature-worlds-first-sleep-storyteller-in-residence-joins-calm', '/blog/the-temples-of-shodoshima', '/blog/wind-down-time', '/blog/de-stressing-work-travel', '/blog/how-to-become-a-morning-person', '/blog/revenge-bedtime-procrastination', '/blog/racing-thoughts-at-night', '/blog/wild-nights-sleep', '/blog/how-to-get-more-deep-sleep', '/blog/sleep-superpower-playbook', '/blog/magic-of-yurts', '/blog/drift-off-to-sleep-with-harry-styles', '/blog/the-last-storytellers', '/blog/why-do-i-keep-waking-up-at-3am', '/blog/the-10-most-widely-held-myths-and-why-theyre-wrong', '/blog/what-is-green-noise', '/blog/jerome-flynn-chooses-mindfulness-over-the-sword', '/blog/how-to-wake-yourself-up', '/blog/what-is-the-best-environment-for-sleep', '/blog/the-black-pearls-of-tahiti', '/blog/tips-for-women-with-insomnia', '/blog/tik-tok-tale', '/blog/once-upon-a-time-in-bavaria', '/blog/middle-of-the-night-insomnia', '/blog/bedtime-challenge', '/blog/stephen-fry-sleep-story-blue-gold', '/blog/the-healing-practices-of-poetry-and-meditation', '/blog/baa-baa-land-premiere', '/blog/the-river-wild', '/blog/a-cure-for-insomnia-lulled-to-sleep-by-cricket-the-game-not-the-insect', '/blog/dia-de-muertos', '/blog/why-do-we-dream', '/blog/vivid-dreams', '/blog/sleep-anxiety', '/blog/coffee-nap', '/blog/lost-grimm-fairy-tale-is-first-ai-bedtime-story', '/blog/dream-journal', '/blog/best-music-to-fall-asleep-to', '/blog/soothe-yourself-to-sleep-with-the-shipping-news', '/blog/sloths-are-the-worlds-greatest-sleep-and-relaxation-ambassadors', '/blog/sleep-mist', '/blog/the-thinking-behind-sleep-stories' ]; // Replace with actual URLs var allowedUrlsSnippet2 = [ '/blog/benefits-of-silence', '/blog/high-functioning-anxiety', '/blog/journaling-for-anxiety', '/blog/eco-anxiety-coping-tips', '/blog/what-is-asmr', '/blog/music-to-relieve-stress', '/blog/5-4-3-2-1-a-simple-exercise-to-calm-the-mind', '/blog/how-to-meditate-for-anxiety', '/blog/emotional-stress', '/blog/how-to-stay-calm-under-pressure', '/blog/relaxation-ideas', '/blog/panic-attack-vs-anxiety-attack', '/blog/how-to-calm-your-mind', '/blog/box-breathing', '/blog/driving-anxiety', '/blog/panic-attack-meditation', '/blog/holiday-stress', '/blog/difference-between-stress-and-anxiety', '/blog/postpartum-anxiety', '/blog/tips-for-managing-stress', '/blog/ai-anxiety-tips', '/blog/anticipatory-anxiety', '/blog/3-3-3-rule-anxiety', '/blog/grounding-techniques', '/blog/vacation-anxiety' ]; // Replace with actual URLs var allowedUrlsSnippet3 = [ '/blog/when-saying-no-is-the-nicest-thing-you-can-do', '/blog/celebrate-black-history-month-with-renowned-jazz-writer-and-cultural-critic-greg-thomas', '/blog/october-2021-calm-calendar', '/blog/focused-meditation', '/blog/emergency-calm-how-to-calm-down-in-2-minutes', '/blog/mindful-movement-challenge', '/blog/meditation-for-sleep', '/blog/a-grateful-heart', '/blog/february-2022-calm-calendar', '/blog/november-2022-calm-calendar', '/blog/august-2021-calm-calendar', '/blog/calm-classrooms-free-mindfulness-training-tools-for-every-teacher-in-the-world', '/blog/abc-minding-your-mind-dr-rheeda-walker', '/blog/march-is-all-about-sleep', '/blog/mindfulness-meditation-for-mental-health', '/blog/accepting-lifes-imperfections', '/blog/3-tips-for-a-stress-free-thanksgiving', '/blog/a-loving-kindness-meditation', '/blog/try-these-tips-for-a-stress-free-daily-commute-to-work', '/blog/january-2022-calm-calendar', '/blog/how-to-sleep-better-guide', '/blog/holdingstrong', '/blog/5-simple-tips-to-make-meditation-a-daily-habit', '/blog/disney-princess-mindful-wisdom', '/blog/thanksgiving', '/blog/the-story-behind-peacebunny-island', '/blog/january-2023-calm-calendar', '/blog/running-meditation', '/blog/march-2023-calm-calendar', '/blog/how-to-hack-holiday-stress-and-anxiety', '/blog/why-you-cant-put-down-your-phone', '/blog/20-ways-to-take-a-mindful-break', '/blog/december-2022-calm-calendar', '/blog/5-mindfulness-practices-to-help-reduce-anxiety', '/blog/are-affirmations-wearing-you-down', '/blog/get-out-of-your-head-and-into-your-life-with-septembers-mindful-living-calendar', '/blog/time-and-how-to-spend-it', '/blog/june-2023-calm-calendar', '/blog/januarys-upcoming-daily-calm-meditations', '/blog/5-ways-to-improve-your-sleep-with-mindfulness-practices', '/blog/is-it-okay-to-lie-down-while-meditating', '/blog/september-2023-calm-calendar', '/blog/september-2021-calm-calendar', '/blog/how-to-be-more-present', '/blog/july-2023-calm-calendar', '/blog/july-2021-calm-calendar', '/blog/the-expansive-joy-of-doing-nothing', '/blog/floating-with-floridas-manatees', '/blog/put-yourself-at-the-top-of-your-to-do-list-with-augusts-mindful-living-calendar', '/blog/30-days-of-gratitude', '/blog/how-to-use-meditation-to-manage-chronic-pain', '/blog/august-2022-calm-calendar', '/blog/how-to-embrace-uncertainty', '/blog/how-to-meditate-in-bed', '/blog/mindful-eating-journal', '/blog/no-excuses-guide-to-meditation', '/blog/2019-daily-calm-calendar-2', '/blog/-new-thomas-friends-kids-meditations-and-sleep-story', '/blog/workplace-anxiety-guide', '/blog/be-your-valentine', '/blog/year-of-calm', '/blog/walking-meditation', '/blog/how-to-develop-a-meditation-practice', '/blog/the-neuroscience-of-meditation', '/blog/april-2023-calm-calendar', '/blog/introducing-calm-body', '/blog/meditation-for-headache', '/blog/april-2021-calm-calendar', '/blog/how-calm-users-fit-meditation-into-daily-routine', '/blog/happy-international-womans-day', '/blog/courageously-meet-your-life-with-julys-mindful-living-calendar', '/blog/the-10-greatest-bob-ross-quotes-of-all-time', '/blog/the-gift-of-meditation-for-kids-by-mallika-chopra', '/blog/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction', '/blog/april-2022-calm-calendar', '/blog/july-2022-calm-calendar', '/blog/september-2022-calm-calendar', '/blog/5-simple-ways-to-practice-mindfulness-in-daily-life', '/blog/every-workplace-can-have-a-mindfulness-space', '/blog/take-care-of-your-mental-health-with-octobers-mindful-living-calendar', '/blog/august-2023-calm-calendar', '/blog/mindful-eating', '/blog/yearofcalm-deepen-your-awareness-6pp7t', '/blog/a-weeklong-trip-with-jeff-warren', '/blog/what-is-flow-state', '/blog/decembers-upcoming-daily-calm-meditations', '/blog/deep-meditation', '/blog/march-2022-calm-calendar', '/blog/how-to-meditate-in-eleven-steps', '/blog/how-to-change-habits-mindfully', '/blog/june-2021-calm-calendar', '/blog/embrace-the-moment', '/blog/june-2022-calm-calendar', '/blog/the-benefits-of-mindful-eating', '/blog/mental-health-awareness-month-jeff-warren', '/blog/what-to-focus-on-when-meditating', '/blog/dear-2019', '/blog/5-ways-to-improve-your-focus-and-productivity', '/blog/free-resources', '/blog/cultivate-a-sense-of-wonder-this-april', '/blog/2020-daily-calm-calendar', '/blog/inner-peace', '/blog/meditative-state', '/blog/a-month-of-loving-kindness', '/blog/body-scan', '/blog/shift-your-thinking-how-to-handle-a-negative-mind', '/blog/october-2022-calm-calendar', '/blog/november-2021-calm-calendar', '/blog/self-care-holiday-season', '/blog/how-to-start-meditating-daily', '/blog/december-2021-calm-calendar', '/blog/mindfulness-exercises', '/blog/march-2021-calm-calendar', '/blog/announcing-the-daily-trip', '/blog/may-2021-calm-calendar', '/blog/february-2023-calm-calendar', '/blog/dealing-with-grief', '/blog/happiness-does-not-come-from-headstands', '/blog/wandering-mind', '/blog/meditations-for-pain-and-sleep-by-oren-jay-sofer-available-exclusively-in-the-calm-app', '/blog/2021-calm-calendar', '/blog/4-ways-to-soften-loneliness', '/blog/shinzen-young-develops-meditations-for-pain-performance-anxiety-and-daily-life-available-exclusively-in-the-calm-app', '/blog/mindfulness-for-kids', '/blog/my-morning-routine', '/blog/junes-mindful-living-calendar-is-about-nourishing-relationships', '/blog/may-2022-calm-calendar', '/blog/february-2021-calm-calendar', '/blog/may-2023-calm-calendar', '/blog/gratitude-exercises', '/blog/two-things-i-did-wrong-when-i-started-meditating' ]; // Replace with actual URLs // Define the HTML snippets var snippetHTML1 = `

What do you find difficult about sleep?

Falling asleepStaying asleepRestless sleepWaking upSomething else

`; // Replace with actual HTML content var snippetHTML2 = `

How does stress show up for you?

AnxietyOverwhelmIrritationAvoidanceAll or none of the above

`; // Replace with actual HTML content var snippetHTML3 = `

How often do you meditate?

RegularlySometimesRarelyNever

`; // Replace with actual HTML content // Function to append HTML and add close functionality function appendHtmlAndAddCloseFunctionality(htmlSnippet, targetClass) { var targetElement = document.querySelector(targetClass); if (targetElement) { targetElement.insertAdjacentHTML('beforebegin', htmlSnippet); var closeButton = targetElement.previousElementSibling.querySelector('.quiz-close'); if (closeButton) { closeButton.addEventListener('click', function(event) { event.preventDefault(); targetElement.previousElementSibling.remove(); }); } } } // Append snippet 1 if (allowedUrlsSnippet1.includes(currentPath)) { appendHtmlAndAddCloseFunctionality(snippetHTML1, '.content'); } else if (allowedUrlsSnippet2.includes(currentPath)) { appendHtmlAndAddCloseFunctionality(snippetHTML2, '.content'); } else if (allowedUrlsSnippet3.includes(currentPath)) { appendHtmlAndAddCloseFunctionality(snippetHTML3, '.content'); } else if (currentPath.includes('journey-redirect')) { let meta = document.createElement('meta') meta.name = 'robots' meta.content = 'noindex' document.head.appendChild(meta) return } else { appendHtmlAndAddCloseFunctionality(snippetHTML2, '.content') }}); // Quiz Flow Tracking Codedocument.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() { // Function to extract a specific part of the URL slug function getSlugPart() { var path = window.location.pathname; // Get the pathname of the URL var slug = path.split('/').pop(); // Split the pathname by '/' and get the last part return slug || 'Unknown'; // Return the slug part or 'Unknown' if it's not available } // Function to set UTM parameters on elements with the class 'quiz-link' function setUTMParameters() { var slugPart = getSlugPart(); // Get the specific part of the slug var quizLinks = document.querySelectorAll('.quiz-link'); // Select all elements with the class 'quiz-link' quizLinks.forEach(function(link) { var originalUrl = link.href; var utmParameters = `utm_source=blog&utm_campaign=${encodeURIComponent(slugPart)}&utm_medium=organic`; // UTM parameters with the slug part var separator = originalUrl.includes('?') ? '&' : '?'; // Determine if we need to start with '?' or append with '&' link.href = `${originalUrl}${separator}${utmParameters}`; // Append UTM parameters to the URL }); } setUTMParameters(); // Execute the function when the page loads});

grounding

Calm Editorial Team

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 — a simple grounding exercise to calm anxiety — Calm Blog (2024)

FAQs

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 — a simple grounding exercise to calm anxiety — Calm Blog? ›

Physical grounding techniques

Get ready to tune into your surroundings and physical body using taste, smell, touch, hearing, and sight. Physical grounding requires you to engage your senses to help guide your attention away from your anxious thoughts.

What is the grounding trick for anxiety? ›

Physical grounding techniques

Get ready to tune into your surroundings and physical body using taste, smell, touch, hearing, and sight. Physical grounding requires you to engage your senses to help guide your attention away from your anxious thoughts.

What is the 3 trick for anxiety? ›

You can use the 333 rule for anxiety in the moment something triggers you. Just look around to identify 3 objects and 3 sounds, then move 3 body parts. Many people find this strategy helps focus and ground them when anxiety seems overwhelming.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for anxiety? ›

Root the body and mind with grounding techniques

Similar is the 5 5 5 rule where you breathe in deeply for 5 seconds, hold the breath for 5 seconds, and breathe out for 5 seconds. Then, identify five things you can see, five sounds you hear, and five objects around you that you can touch.

What exercise is best for anxiety? ›

But exercise includes a wide range of activities that boost your activity level to help you feel better. Certainly running, lifting weights, playing basketball and other fitness activities that get your heart pumping can help.

How to calm panic attacks? ›

Ways to manage panic and anxiety
  1. practice calming breathing exercises.
  2. keep up your regular activities – try not to restrict yourself.
  3. try to work out if something is making you stressed – stress can make panic attacks worse.
  4. regular exercise – it helps manage stress, tension, and mood, and can improve your confidence.
Jan 5, 2023

What are the 4 C's of anxiety? ›

More specifically we expect positive association between caring and anxiety and a negative association between the other four Cs (competence, confidence, character, and connection) and anxiety.

How do I ground myself in bed? ›

Ideal as a start to ground yourself is a grounding fitted sheet around your mattress (they stay nicely in place and guarantee many contact points) with or without an grounding pillowcase if you want to put extra focus on the head, upper back and neck area.

What is the number one way to reduce anxiety? ›

Natural strategies like regular physical activity, aromatherapy, deep breathing, mindfulness, and chamomile tea may help you reduce anxiety symptoms. If you feel your anxiety is getting worse, consider professional help. Talk therapy, prescription medication, or both, may help with severe or persistent anxiety.

What is the 123 technique for anxiety? ›

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 exercise for anxiety FAQs

It involves identifying 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. By doing so, it helps shift your focus from anxiety-provoking thoughts to the present moment.

What are the top 10 medications for anxiety? ›

Examples of SSRIs for anxiety include:
  • citalopram (Celexa)
  • escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • fluvoxamine (Luvox)
  • paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
  • sertraline (Zoloft)

What are the 5 C's of anxiety? ›

The five C's - clarity, choice, control, conditioning and confidence- are tools that can help one learn to respond to stress in a healthier, more productive manner, said Jeffrey Mangrum, a Chicago-based trainer.

What is the 5 minute rule for overthinking? ›

The 5x5 rule states that if you come across an issue take a moment to think whether or not it will matter in 5 years. If it won't, don't spend more than 5 minutes stressing out about it. When your problems need to be put into perspective, the 5x5 rule is a good thing to remember.

How can I overcome my fear and anxiety in 30 seconds? ›

How to calm down quickly
  1. Breathe. One of the best things you can do when you start to feel that familiar panicky feeling is to breathe. ...
  2. Name what you're feeling. ...
  3. Try the 5-4-3-2-1 coping technique. ...
  4. Try the “File It” mind exercise. ...
  5. Run. ...
  6. Think about something funny. ...
  7. Distract yourself. ...
  8. Take a cold shower (or an ice plunge)
Jun 23, 2021

What is the 5 3 1 method workout? ›

The 5/3/1 training split, where lifters wave through sets of five, three, and one rep over the course of weeks, has been helping lifters build strength in some of the heaviest movements in the gym—the squat, deadlift, bench press, and overhead press—for years.

What does the 5 5 7 stress relieving exercise involve? ›

Inhale for a count of five. Exhale for a count of seven. After exhaling, pause for a count of five. Once you establish the pattern, begin spelling out P-E-A-C-E in your mind during the five-count pause.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 6238

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Birthday: 2001-08-13

Address: 96487 Kris Cliff, Teresiafurt, WI 95201

Phone: +9418513585781

Job: Senior Designer

Hobby: Calligraphy, Rowing, Vacation, Geocaching, Web surfing, Electronics, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Msgr. Benton Quitzon, I am a comfortable, charming, thankful, happy, adventurous, handsome, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.