What Grounds You?

Photo Credit: Mihaly Koles

Just as grounding rods keep our homes safe from accidental fires, we all need personal practices to discharge the stress that seeps into our daily lives. Staying calm has many physiological and psychological benefits. When we're grounded, our bodies and minds work better - heart rate and blood pressure stabilize, sleep improves, and we think more clearly, leading to better decisions. Yet with recent challenges like layoffs, natural disasters, and violence in our communities, staying centered feels harder than ever.

If you know what they are, how often do you turn to those things that leave you feeling restored and refreshed? Are they a part of your regular routine or do you only find yourself running to them once you’ve realized you need a break?

Personally, I’ve found journaling for a few minutes each evening enables me to capture significant moments of the day and surrender any that I’d rather not retain. It lets me start the next morning with a clean slate, ready for what comes!

Challenge for Leaders- over this long weekend, give yourself 10 minutes to reflect on what you need to recharge when you get depleted or discouraged. Pick one new idea from this list or your own and give it a try. Identify a couple options you could do on the spot as difficult scenarios arise and another couple to implement when you have a longer stretch for reflection and recovery.

Grounding Experiments

Quick (5 minutes or less)

·        Prayer

·        Stretching

·        Physical touch

·        Music

·        Health app reminders

Moderate (15-30 minutes)

·        Cooking

·        Fitness

·        Journaling

·        Fun

·        Hobbies

·        Gardening

·        Quiet

·        Time alone

Deeper Restoration

·        Family

·        Friends

·        Faith

·        Nature

·        Reading

·        Podcasts

·        Therapy

·        Travel

·        Personal values

·        What would you add here?

Once you’ve identified your preferred practices, consider what might serve as an easy reminder, such as a Post-it® note or a list on your phone from which to select an option for a boost. Health apps can also be a marvelous way to put some pause in the day with their inspiring phrases and nudges to stand and stretch. Pay attention to what shifts in your thinking, mood and body after each experiment, then share your discoveries with someone you trust.

Happy Grounding!