Ways to Ground Yourself in Times of Uncertainty
Nothing is certain these days, and in times of uncertainty, it can become difficult to focus on the present moment. Maybe you’re finding it hard to stay grounded; and live in the now, instead of cultivating worry and fear about the future.
Whenever I find myself getting anxious, I find certain things can really help me calm down and come back to the moment at hand. I remain grateful for all that I have; and I focus on ways to remind me of how lucky I am to be alive.
Nature
Growing up in Idaho, I was surrounded by nature. We had mountains, streams, and even a pond in our backyard. One of my most memorable experiences was rafting the Colorado River with my father for two weeks. Being in nature brings a sense of calmness to your mind, body, and soul. You can unplug from technology and feel grounded and supported by Mother Earth. Go for a walk through a park, or take a hike on a new trail, or just step outside (without your cell phone) and take some deep, full breaths.
A few more ways to connect with Nature:
- Close your eyes and focus on the sounds you hear and the things you smell.
- Find a peaceful activity like kayaking, canoeing, or surfing.
- Bring simple, everyday activities like games, dinner, and reading outdoors.
Meditation
Grounding connects you energetically to the earth; and it allows you to be more authentically in your body, in the present moment, and to receive nourishing energy.
Grounding allows you to gain perspective and see things with a clear mind. Meditation helps with all of these things. If you meditate for five minutes a day for eight weeks, you’ll start to see things from a whole new perspective.
Meditating daily will help keep your emotions stable and your mind clear. It will allow you to cultivate more kindness, gratefulness, and love as you focus more on the present moment and less on the past or what is to come.
Check out a few of my favorite meditations on Peloton (free app for 30 days) to help you feel more grounded in yourself and the here and now:
Pilates
Pilates is a method of exercise similar to yoga that connects the mind and the body through flexibility, strength, and endurance movements mainly focused on core strength or “the Powerhouse” as Joseph Pilates coined it.
The movement emphasizes proper postural alignment, core strength, and muscle balance.
Adding a low impact exercise routine into your daily schedule can help to release serotonin and endorphins or the “happy drugs” in your brain that allow you to be grateful for your body and the present moment.
It is a great way to work out any stress, uncertainty, or anxious feelings you may be experiencing during this time.
Check out my favorite pilates downloads here!
Yoga
Yoga is one of the best ways to allow your body and mind to stay focused on the present. The Sanskrit word yoga means to unite. When we practice yoga, we are uniting our minds and our body through our breath.
Focusing on your breathing and the way your body is moving during flow can help you practice patience, being present, and staying calm.
Yoga is truly one of my favorite forms of moving meditation. When I get on my mat, stand in Mountain pose and breathe deeply, I immediately feel better. Start with my beginner yoga classes on Peloton or any of my yoga downloads on my site.
I hope these suggestions help, I know these times are challenging. I am sending love and light as always and reach out if you ever need anything.
So, I hope during this time of uncertainty in the world I can give you a sense of calmness and grounding with these tips and resources. Remember to keep calm, stay present, and be grateful for the experiences we do get to have. As well as thank the people in our lives, supporting us through this hard time right now.
Kristin McGee is a celebrity yoga and Pilates instructor in New York City. She is currently teaching yoga with Peloton. She is the star of over 100 videos, seen in several magazines and tv shows and is a spokeswoman for many brands and causes she believes in. A proud mom to three, she sure keeps herself busy!