Body awareness is a grounding method that helps people reconnect with their physical senses to feel more present and secure. From the name itself, this approach is beneficial for those who feel stressed or detached.
The Body Awareness Grounding Techniques handout contains 5 exercises designed to help clients reconnect with their bodies during difficult moments. These exercises include Cool Sensations, Tapping, Palm Press, Robot-Ragdoll, and Stomp, Stomp, Blow. Each activity includes clear steps and easy-to-understand examples.
Using this handout regularly can help kids and teens feel calmer and more centered. Creating a routine, such as practicing one technique in the morning and another at night, helps them start and end the day on a positive note.
Caring adults can offer support by encouraging kids to keep a journal to reflect on how each exercise makes them feel. For some, practicing these techniques in nature can amplify their calming effects.
For additional grounding technique examples, feel free to explore our Grounding Techniques handout.
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References:
- Mehling, W. E., Gopisetty, V., Daubenmier, J., Price, C. J., Hecht, F. M., & Stewart, A. (2009). Body awareness: Construct and self-report measures. PLoS ONE, 4(5), e5614. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0005614
- Mehling, W. E., Wrubel, J., Daubenmier, J. J., Price, C. J., Kerr, C. E., Silow, T., Gopisetty, V., & Stewart, A. L. (2011). Body awareness: A phenomenological inquiry into the common ground of mind-body therapies. Philosophy, Ethics, and Humanities in Medicine, 6(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1747-5341-6-6
- Pérez-Peña, M., Notermans, J., Petit, J., Van der Gucht, K., & Philippot, P. (2024). Body aware: Adolescents’ and young Adults’ Lived experiences of body awareness. Psychologica Belgica, 64(1). https://doi.org/10.5334/pb.1295
