Managing Sociopolitical Stress: How Clients Can Find Calm and Resilience in Therapy
In recent months, many individuals seeking therapy have shared a common concern: the increasing level of stress and anxiety caused by ongoing sociopolitical events.
The importance of self-care and mindfulness for well-being, improved mental health, and a balanced life cannot be overstated.
Amid the chaos of daily routines, work pressures, and personal responsibilities, it is easy to neglect our mental and emotional health. However, incorporating self-care practices, like grounding, and mindfulness into our lives can be transformative. These tools improve focus, energy levels, mood, and overall performance to tackle the myriad of personal and professional demands.
Read on to explore the benefits of these practices, with a focus on grounding, guided breathing, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Self-care refers to the actions we take to nurture our physical, mental, and emotional health. It is about recognizing our needs and making time for activities that replenish and rejuvenate us. Mindfulness, on the other hand, is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment, aware of our thoughts and feelings without judgment. Together, these practices form a powerful duo that can significantly enhance our well-being.
Grounding techniques are practices that help us stay connected to the present moment, particularly during times of stress or anxiety. These techniques can be incredibly beneficial for maintaining a sense of stability and calm.
Grounding techniques are practical tools that help anchor you in the present moment, especially during times of stress, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm. By focusing on the here and now, these methods can help you regain a sense of control and calm. Here are ten effective grounding techniques you can incorporate into your daily routine:
This method helps you engage your senses to bring your focus back to the present. Identify:
5 things you can see around you.
4 things you can touch.
3 things you can hear.
2 things you can smell.
1 thing you can taste.
Take a slow walk and pay close attention to the movement of your legs and feet, the feeling of the ground beneath you, and your surroundings. This practice combines physical activity with mindfulness.
Choose an object nearby and examine it closely. Notice its color, texture, shape, and other details. This focused attention can help shift your mind away from stressors and bring you back to the present.
Verbally describe your surroundings in detail. For example, “The walls are painted blue, the clock on the wall is ticking, the carpet is soft under my feet.” This can help distract your mind from distressing thoughts.
Grounding techniques are practices that help us stay connected to the present moment, particularly during times of stress or anxiety.
Do an activity that requires your full attention but is not too challenging, such as coloring, knitting, or gardening. The key is to immerse yourself fully in the task at hand.
Splashing cold water on your face can help reset your system and bring your focus back to your body and the present moment. Alternatively, holding an ice cube can have a similar effect.
Starting from your toes and working your way up, tense each muscle group for a few seconds and then relax them. This can help reduce physical tension and promote relaxation.
Repeat positive affirmations or grounding statements to yourself, such as “I am safe right now,” “I am in control,” or “This feeling will pass.” This can help reinforce a sense of safety and stability.
Guided breathing exercises are another essential tool for improving mental health and well-being. Simply focusing on the breath and observing its natural rhythm without trying to change it can help increase mindfulness and reduce stress. Listening to guided breathing sessions available through various apps or online platforms can provide structured support for this practice. These exercises help regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.
Focus on breathing deeply into your diaphragm, allowing your belly to expand with each inhale and contract with each exhale. This helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote relaxation.
This technique involves inhaling for four counts, holding the breath for four counts, exhaling for four counts, and holding again for four counts. This method can help calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
Observe the natural rhythm of your breath without trying to change it. Notice the sensations of the air entering and leaving your nostrils, the rise and fall of your chest, and the movement of your belly.
While breathing mindfully, perform a body scan by focusing on different parts of your body from head to toe. Notice any tension or relaxation in each area, allowing your breath to release any tension.
This involves inhaling for four seconds, holding the breath for seven seconds, and exhaling for eight seconds. This technique can be particularly effective for promoting sleep and relaxation.
Choose a calming word or phrase, such as “peace” or “calm.” Inhale deeply and silently say the word, then exhale and repeat the word. This can help anchor your mind and enhance relaxation.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes the development of mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Originally developed for individuals with borderline personality disorder, DBT has been found effective for a wide range of mental health issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
DBT encourages the practice of mindfulness to help individuals become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This heightened awareness allows for better management of emotional responses and reduces the likelihood of impulsive actions.
DBT teaches strategies for identifying and managing intense emotions. This can involve understanding the triggers for these emotions and developing healthy coping mechanisms to handle them.
This aspect of DBT focuses on building resilience and finding ways to tolerate and survive crises without resorting to harmful behaviors. Techniques such as distraction, self-soothing, and radical acceptance are used to help individuals manage difficult situations.
DBT provides tools for improving communication and relationship skills. This includes learning how to assert needs, set boundaries, and handle conflicts in a healthy and constructive manner.
Incorporating grounding, mindfulness, and DBT into daily life can create a synergistic effect that enhances overall well-being. Grounding techniques and guided breathing exercises help maintain a state of calm and presence, while the structured approach of DBT provides tools for managing emotions and relationships more effectively.
These practices foster a balanced life by promoting mental clarity, emotional stability, and physical relaxation. They empower individuals to take charge of their mental health, leading to improved resilience, reduced anxiety and stress, and a greater sense of inner peace. By dedicating time to self-care and mindfulness, we invest in our most valuable asset: our well-being.
The benefits of self-care and mindfulness extend far beyond momentary relief. They cultivate a healthier, more balanced life, enabling us to navigate challenges with grace and resilience. Grounding, guided breathing, and DBT are powerful practices that can lead to profound positive changes, ensuring we live a life that is not just lived, but truly experienced.
Grounding
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25748085/
https://www.healthline.com/health/grounding
https://www.webmd.com/balance/grounding-benefits
Guided Breathing
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9819153/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5072593/
https://dhwblog.dukehealth.org/the-power-of-breath-the-surprising-benefits-of-conscious-breathing/
Begin challenging this damaging narrative by seeking out self-care through therapy. Schedule an initial session with Dr. Laura today.
In recent months, many individuals seeking therapy have shared a common concern: the increasing level of stress and anxiety caused by ongoing sociopolitical events.
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant strides in various sectors, including healthcare. Integrating AI tools to support mental health and emotional well-being is intriguing. As a clinical psychologist, I recognize...
In the field of psychology, the concept of the "good girl" narrative has long influenced how women perceive and express themselves. This ingrained societal expectation often pressures women to follow...
Compass Psychological Services provides boutique mental health care to high-achieving professionals and couples. In-person appointments available in Tampa, FL. Teletherapy available in most states.
Licensed Psychologist, PY11766
Aetna and United Health insurance accepted.
If you’re in need of immediate assistance call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
Connect
Teletherapy services available in states through PsyPact: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CNMI, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, and WY