The five senses — sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste — are often used in grounding techniques to help clients connect with the present moment. This concept comes from the understanding that focusing on these senses can promote calmness and control. As a result, grounding techniques are widely used to help people manage their stress and emotions.
The 5 Senses Grounding Technique (PDF) is a practical resource that teaches clients how to calm themselves during difficult moments. The handout guides them to identify what they can see, hear, touch, smell, and taste, which helps them redirect their thoughts to the present. Clear examples are provided to guide them through the process.
Consistent use of this technique can help kids and teens feel more connected to their environment, which reduces fear and worry. Incorporating it into a daily routine — such as practicing it in the morning or at night to promote relaxation — can improve its effectiveness.
Caring adults can further support this by encouraging kids to keep a “sensory journal,” where they note their observations during the exercise. Practicing this technique in nature can make the experience more immersive.
This handout pairs well with our 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique worksheet.
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References:
- Chevalier, G. (2015). The effect of grounding the human body on mood. Psychological Reports, 116(2), 534-542. https://doi.org/10.2466/06.pr0.116k21w5
- Koniver, L. (2023). Practical applications of grounding to support health. Biomedical Journal, 46(1), 41-47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bj.2022.12.001
- Zerubavel, N., & Messman-Moore, T. L. (2013). Staying present: Incorporating mindfulness into therapy for dissociation. Mindfulness, 6(2), 303-314. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-013-0261-3
