Get Grounded and Back in Touch with Reality

How to Bring Yourself Back Down to Earth

Life can be a confusing and maddening circus.  It can feel like the Joker is running amuck and Batman's caught in traffic. It can feel like you're in a Tie Fighter spinning off into space. 

When you find yourself at risk of spinning off into space, it's important to be able to ground yourself.

Here are some tips for grounding yourself.

1. Get out of your head

Get back in touch with your body and the physical world. Take a deep breath. Go for a walk. Experience the world around you.

2. Relax 

Stress is a killer. You can't eradicate stress from your life (I know I've tried) but you can ditch for a while. 

Do something that makes you feel good. Listen to music. Play with a baby duck. Write a story.

3. Get a Reality Check

Talk to someone objective and trustworthy. Preferably someone who is willing to gently tell you "You are being insane." This person can give you the benefit of their perspective. 

4. Try to step outside yourself 

Look at the situation through another person's eyes. Consider how they feel and think. What kind of problems are they facing? 

Think about the person you're dealing with. Is this person being unpleasant and grumpy? Maybe they have something going on in their life. Maybe they're trying not to be unpleasant and this is the best they do. Recognizing that everyone around you is under stress can make you more sympathetic and patient.

5. Be Brave

Do something you've never done before. This could be bungee jumping or going somewhere you've never been before. Face a fear and enjoy that little swell of pride.