Counting Backwards by 3's Grounding Exercise

Last week, we received a few emails from people sharing that the last grounding exercise we sent helped them.

So this week, I wanted to share a different version!
 
This one is called:

Counting Backwards by 3's

How it works

Just like the name suggests, you'll count backwards in intervals of 3

Like this:

3, 2, 1, 6, 5, 4, 9, 8, 7, 12, 11, 10, 15, 14, 13, and so on.

This exercise requires focus and concentration, which helps redirect your attention away from what's stressing you out.

Why this works

Grounding exercises like this one are effective because they engage your mind in a way that pulls you out of a fight-or-flight response.

When you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, your brain tends to spiral into unproductive or negative thinking. Counting backwards in unusual intervals, such as by 3’s, requires enough mental effort to break that cycle.

This exercise also stimulates parts of your brain that helps with problem-solving and focus. By shifting your attention to counting, you give yourself a break from the stress and a chance to calm down.

Tips for this exercise:

Set a Timer
Even one or two minutes can be enough to shift your mental state.

Spin your fidget ring as you count
Combine this exercise with deep breathing or your fidget ring for an extra calming effect.

Don’t stress about accuracy
If you lose track or make a mistake while counting, that’s okay! Just start at the last number you remember. The goal isn’t perfection - it’s to focus your mind and distract it from what's stressing you out.

Let us know what you think!

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