I heard this the other day and wanted to share it with you.
I'm calling it the Color Search Grounding Exercise
There are a few reasons this exercise works so well:
- Since you're focusing on one task, your mind is preoccupied in the present, which shifts your focus away from any stressful thoughts.
- Looking for a specific color or shape connects you with your immediate surroundings, helping you be more mindful.
- If you're stressed, focusing on one color gives you a mental break and something neutral to focus on.
Just take a quick minute and try it right now - trust me.
Scan the room you're in and find all of the green items.
Look for every single thing that has green in it.
Once you think you've found them all, scan the room again and look even harder.
I bet you found more green things, right? I always find a few more the second time.
Now, how do you feel? Do you feel a little bit more present?
Like you're really aware of where you are and what's in the room?
For me, it helps me calm down when I'm overwhelmed because, for one minute, I'm focused on one thing - the green items - and not on what's stressing me out. And that changes my mood.
Next time, try this with another color or even a shape.
Let us know what you think!