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This page will look at grounding techniques and breathing exercises that can be used as interventions by an Occupational Therapist working in mental health settings. These techniques can bee adapted to be used in group or individual interventions.
Read through the information and watch any videos below
Ensure you scroll to the bottom of the page.
Grounding Techniques
Grounding is a skill that can help your patient manage some of the their symptoms or feelings by diverting their attention away from worries or thoughts. Grounding is used as a distraction technique that helps your patient stay in the current moment and to the reality of the here and now.
Examples of different Grounding Techniques
Below is is a variety of examples (poster/word document and YouTube video) to explain what the 5-4-3-2-1 technique is and how it can be used to manage symptoms of anxiety.
Another example of a grounding technique is "Body Awareness," which is seen below. Like all grounding techniques this one also aims to assist your patient become more present-focused.
Use your phone to scan this QR code to access a poster regarding different distraction techniques.
Or alternatively click on the QR code for the link.
Breathing Techniques
Breathing techniques can be used to help patients reducing some of symptoms they might experience. These techniques can be done anywhere and only take a few minutes to complete.
Included below are some posters for different types of breathing exercises, such as fire fingers and bunny sniffs.
One of the more recognised breathing techniques for anxiety is box breathing. Please see below the link to a Youtube video for box breathing technique and other breathing techniques.
Now watch the two short videos below completing different breathing techniques. Follow along and complete the breathing exercises.
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