5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Mindfulness!

In the United States, we are going into week seven of stay at home orders. People are starting to feel their anxiety rising, and I include myself in that category. We cannot help but ask, how long will this go on for? When will life feel normal again? People are getting frustrated and it's understandable. We want this to end. We want our normal lives back. We miss our family, friends, and routines. And anxiety is further compounded if you are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, job loss or have a loved one that has tested positive for the virus. This does not even include the many, many people we have lost to this virus and the heartache their family and loved ones are now experiencing. 


Because there is still no clear end in sight, we have no other choice but to stay present. And that truly falls into the category of easier said than done. (Most of what we talk about in counseling falls into this category.) We want to plan and think ahead; it's part of our natural instincts. Planning for the weekend is what gets us through a rough week. Thinking about summer makes the winter months more manageable. Unfortunately, because everything is still so unclear, we cannot look too far ahead. This will only lead to frustration and likely disappointment.

If you find your mind is racing forward, here's a grounding exercise I recommend that brings you back to the present. It's a short and easy practice you can do just about anywhere. It's especially helpful in times of high anxiety and panic.  

Look around you. Identify and name -

• 5 things you see
• 4 things you feel 
• 3 things you hear 
• 2 things you smell
• 1 thing you taste

Give this practice a try the next time you are struggling with being in the present. It's a challenge for the mind to be present so be gentle with yourself. Any small decrease in anxiety is progress!