We all have things we worry about and worrying in small doses can be healthy and helpful. Worrying about a big test might give you the motivation to study more. Worrying about driving in the dark might make you be more alert and cautious than normal. But for many of us, we worry about big stuff, little stuff, and everything in between! Worry starts to shape how you see the world and how you respond to it. If you are expecting bad things to happen, it will make it seem like bad things constantly happen. Pretty soon the world turns into a very scary and dark place where you feel alone and helpless.
How do we stop our minds from worrying in excess? One thing that might help is grounding. Grounding can be helpful for a lot of things: trauma, anxious thoughts, impulsive behavior, self doubt, thoughts of self harming, getting too emotional, reacting with anger… I like worry stones and try to use it in my sessions (and life). Everyone has a texture that is comforting to them. Maybe for you it is a stuffed animal or a scented candle. Maybe it’s a cool, smooth stone or even one with a powerful word on it.
When you feel that your mind is starting to spiral, pick up a worry stone. Notice the shape and size. How does it feel in your hand. How heavy is it. Is it cool to the touch? Does it warm the longer you hold it? Does it remind you of anything? Maybe there is a word etched into it. What does the word mean to you? How does it resonate in your life? This simple tool can help GROUND you in the moment and get out of your head.
