Mood boosting activities

Physical Activity: There are so many good reasons to keep active, being physically active helps mood, sleep and aids relaxation

Look after your physical health

Taking care of your physical health helps improve your mental health and well-being. Be active for at least 30 minutes daily, whether that’s running, walking, yoga, dancing, cycling, or even gardening. Eat a balanced and healthy diet. Make sure to get enough sleep.

Do activities that you enjoy

Try to continue doing the activities that you find meaningful and enjoyable, such as cooking for yourself or your loved ones, playing with your pet, walking in the park, reading a book, or watching a film or TV series. Having a regular routine with activities that make you feel happy will help you maintain good mental health.

Steer away from harmful substances: Avoid or reduce harmful substances such as alcohol or tobacco to cope with what you’re feeling. Though these may seem to help you feel better in the short term, they can make you feel worse in the long run.

Take two minutes to focus on the world around you: Help free yourself of constantly swirling thoughts by reconnecting yourself with where you are at this moment in time. Follow along with the video below or simply take three slow deep breaths, feel your feet grounded on the floor and ask yourself:

What are five things I can see?
What are four things I can hear?
What can I smell?
What does it feel like to touch my knees or a something else I can reach? How does it feel underneath my fingers?

HSE & WHO

Example of breathing technique to helps with thoughts: https://youtu.be/ksp3iSUDqfo?feature=shared

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by Breda Morrissey • 24 April 2025

Grounding for Anxiety & Stress: Why It Works When anxiety takes hold or stress begins to overwhelm, it can feel like your mind is spinning out of control. Racing thoughts, tight chest, shallow breathing—it’s like your body’s alarm system is stuck in overdrive. Grounding techniques help turn that alarm down. But why do they work ? What Is Grounding? Grounding is a set of simple practices that connect you to the present moment—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s about pulling yourself out of anxious thought loops or emotional overload and tuning back into your body, your surroundings, and your breath. Think of grounding like an anchor in a storm. You’re not trying to fight the waves—you’re just giving yourself something solid to hold onto until they pass. Why I Use Grounding in My Work From my experience in CBT and counselling, I’ve seen how grounding techniques can: Interrupt anxious thought loops that feel never-ending. Soothe the body’s stress response , helping you feel a little safer in your own skin. Create space between feeling and reacting—so you can respond with choice, not panic. Help you feel more in control , even if just for a few minutes. And those few minutes? They can change your day. Some of My Favourite Grounding Tools Here are a few grounding practices I often guide clients through—easy, quick, and kind: Feel Your Feet Sit still for a moment. Feel the floor beneath your feet. Really feel it—press down. It’s simple, but powerful. You're here. You're supported. The 5-4-3-2-1 Technique Engage your senses: 5 things you can see 4 you can touch 3 you can hear 2 you can smell 1 you can taste or simply enjoy the breath in your mouth Breathe with Intention Try box breathing: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. It brings calm, especially when everything feels too much. Cold Water or Ice Rinse your hands under cool water or hold an ice cube. It sounds odd—but it can snap you out of a panic state by grounding your senses instantly. A Gentle Reminder Grounding won’t solve every problem. But it gives you a foothold. And sometimes, when emotions feel too big, a foothold is all you need to begin finding your way through. You're not alone in this. If you need support, whether that’s learning how to ground yourself or talking through what’s going on underneath the anxiety—I'm here. Breda CBT & Counselling Nee more help please feel free to contact me: bredamorrisseycounsellor@gmail.com 0838541298, @BredaMorrisseyCBT