54321 Grounding Method for Anxiety and fear

Caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease is hard!  I remember feeling scared, worried, and anxious. I loved grandma so much. But life was not easy.

I remember when grandma fell and was hospitalized for a subdural hematoma (that means bleeding in the brain). She was crying in pain and still refused to go to the hospital. We had to beg her to go. I was terrified.

I was hysterical crying and I had to go with her to the hospital because there was no one to watch me at home. I was having a panic/anxiety attack.

I spoke to the Child Life Specialist who taught me about GROUNDING EXERCISES. She said it helps with trauma.

The 54321 Ground Method is very helpful and makes you feel better!

Here is how it works you look around the room and think about:

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

(If you cannot find those things around you than just substitute by thinking about your favorite things.) Thinking about those things takes your mind away from your worries for a bit.

It is kind of like Maria from the Sound of Music who sang the song, "My Favorite Things" and the line, "I simply remember my favorite things and then I don't feel so bad" (Rogers & Hammerstein) 

#ENDALZ

Here is a helpful article to learn more about grounding techniquesClick here