Grounding has become a buzzword in wellbeing talks, but what exactly does it mean and how can it help you personally? In this week’s blog, Daria talks about finding peace and power in nature.
The end of the term is approaching, the days get darker, the deadlines get tighter, and the stress becomes too real. As I was looking for some ways to improve my mental state, I discovered that the simplest solution is sometimes the best: going outside. Yeah, it’s that easy (and free!). Here I decided to share some tips that I’ve worked out for myself while trying to get some energy from the nature itself.
Breathing
Image by Daria Akhapkina.
While constantly working on your writing, it’s easy to feel claustrophobic and suffocated in your own room. I was surprised to find out that my drowsiness, apathy and overall negativity towards myself and my work was to blame on my lack of fresh air and sunlight. So if you’re feeling numb and somewhat stuck in where you’re going with your ideas, do get outside! Even if it’s as grey and miserable as it usually is in winter, the change in temperature and overall freshness will help you stay alert and shake off that lethargic feeling.
Image by Daria Akhapkina.
As you’re walking in the park or just around your house or the library, why not try a couple of breathing exercises? Focus on your breath, recognising the energy filling you up as you inhale and exhale – and you’ll notice how refreshing it feels sometimes to slow down, get out of your constant stream of thinking, and just concentrate on the most basic functions of your body. If a deadline is approaching or it’s raining and you don’t feel like going out, just opening your window and letting some air works just as well.
Grounding
Sometimes even when I’m taking a stroll, I get lost in my own thoughts and my anxiety spirals out of control. To prevent this, I’ve incorporated some grounding techniques into my walks. If I feel like I’m losing touch with reality and my thoughts are running ahead of me, I try to switch my attention to the things that surround me. How many things can I smell? See? Hear? Touch? Are the leaves on the ground crispy and crunchy, or soggy and slippery? How many birds can I name upon seeing them? What are the most common sounds around me – is it the chatter of other students, car noises, the howling of the wind?
Image by Daria Akhapkina.
This approach is great for those who, just as me, struggle with getting out of their head. Sometimes it’s good to get lost in your imagination while listening to music or daydreaming, especially if it helps you relax after constant strenuous thinking about your work issues, but if instead of calmness and peace it only brings you more anxiety, it’s worth trying to find something that returns you to reality where nothing is as catastrophic as your brain makes it look. It’s also important to consider your own sensory issues and preferences: for example, if you don’t like touching things or react strongly to certain noises, feel free to find the stimuli that would positively affect you and not cause any additional stress or overstimulation.
Getting the energy
Image by Daria Akhapkina.
The energy that I get from observing nature and just being around it is indescribable. Nothing gives me more calmness and reassurance than the gentle whisper of the leaves, the sight of green grass, the droplets of rain on the window or the stars at night (which basically begins after 5pm now, so it’s a jackpot for me). I get that not everyone is a fan of seemingly idle walks that take hours, but I assure you that everyone can find something nature-related that would spark joy and bring some nice change from your daily routine.
Image by Daria Akhapkina
Maybe you’ve always wanted to add some green colour to your study space, but never felt like taking care of the plants that seem to die no matter what you do? Try some beginner plants, such as succulents or palms that hardly require any input from the owner (and are also pet-friendly, if you’re as concerned with that as I am). Maybe you wondered what kinds of trees surround your house – go outside and have a little investigation, imagining yourself a curious kindergartener learning about different types of leaves. Maybe you don’t want anything to do with plants, leaves, and dirt, but nevertheless feel like trying a new walking route to the university just for fun and maybe popping into an unexplored coffee shop on your way – get outside and try whatever brings you joy. Of course, connecting with nature is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle and mental health, but it is most definitely a great addition that helped me a lot in my journey of getting my mind in a better place to allow for some growth and productivity.
Tell us about your experience with nature and mental health. What gives you peace and energy? Leave us a comment below, tweet us @warwicklibrary/@researchex, message us on Instagram @warwicklibrary, or email us at libraryblogs@warwick.ac.uk
If you want to read about other authors finding joy in the simplest moments, have a look at Cherisse’s blog on Getting out of Your Own Head. And if you would like to learn how taking photos can also help you with your wellbeing, have a look at Giles’s blog on Snapping out of Lockdown.
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