2 Simple Grounding Techniques To Overcome Panic Attacks

Don't let panic control you.

By Dr. Alicia H. Clark — Written on May 03, 2020

Photo: Getty

2 Simple Grounding Techniques To Overcome Panic Attacks

Your heart is racing, your breath has spun out of control, and you feel weak. And no, you didn’t just complete a marathon.

You were sitting there, engaging in no physical activity whatsoever, and something stressed you out. You’re on the verge of — or already in the throes of — a panic attack.

Remembering how to manage what's happening and what grounding techniques to use can feel a million miles away.

You might be triggered by any type of stressor. Someone told you sad news. You thought about that looming final exam. Or you still haven’t gathered myriad documents you need to finish a huge deadline in just a few days.

While many people don’t exhibit or react to stress by having a panic attack, countless people do. And in any case, you do. The question is, how can you recover from a panic attack in the easiest, quickest way?

Here are 2 simple techniques you can use to overcome panic attacks.

1. Use a physical grounding technique.

You might think of a grounding technique like your "yogic mountain."

You stand straight with your bare feet rooted on the mat, pull your arms to your sides, facing hands forward with fingers stretched open, suck your belly in, and draw your tailbone down, drop your shoulders, and square your hips.

Then stare straight ahead, staunch in your mountain.

Yes, having your feet literally grounded and your body confidently posed does help, and you can try that if you need physical grounding during a panic attack.

2. Use an emotional grounding technique.

You can also ground yourself emotionally rather than physically. This helps you focus on the moment and draws your attention inward, instead of stressing about something outside of yourself.

This technique creates your own personal safe space, right here, right now.

My go-to grounding technique for panic attacks is the "5-4-3-2-1 Method."

It’s structured and easier than managing your breath, which you might struggle with when you're in the middle of a panic attack or when your breathing feels like it’s taken on its own fast-paced life, dragging you away with it.

The 5-4-3-2-1 Method goes like this:

5: Name five objects or sights you see around you.

4: Name four tangible things you feel (the clothing against your skin, the hair on your forehead, the floor you’re standing on).

3: Name three sounds you hear.

2: Name two scents you smell.

1: Name one thing you taste.

Now, let’s make it even simpler.

What if you can’t remember all of these counts, and in which order? Which one was five, and which one was two?

When you're in the middle of a panic attack and can't remember all the steps, try this instead: Choose two of these items above. Pick two that speak to you most, make you feel the calmest, and focus you best.