How can we calm a racing mind?  One of the ways is to pause for a moment and bring yourself to the moment and to focus on what is happening right now. This can be difficult and may require some practice but I do believe its worth persevering with.

Try this exercise which focuses your attention on your five senses and by focussing your attention on them, it highlights the present moment and should help to calm a racing mind.

  1. Sit down and look straight ahead. Take a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth
  2. Firstly, notice 5 things you can see in front of you.  In you mind, name them and count them.
  3. Next, notice 4 things you can hear. Perhaps its a car engine, the wind or distant voices.  Think about the things you can hear and count them
  4. Now you need to notice 3 things you can feel. If your hands are on you lap this could be your clothing, maybe the upholstery on your chair, or the carpet.  Feel these things and count them.
  5. Next, notice 2 things you can smell. This is harder, but try to stick with it. If you cannot smell anything, go outside and smell the air, or maybe the soap in the bathroom.
  6. Lastly, notice one thing you can taste. Focus on the inside of your mouth and see what you can taste. If you struggle you could perhaps take a sip or water or coffee, bringing your attention to that.
  7. Finally take a deep breath in and out.

Hopefully your mind is now a little calm and you are focussing on the moment you are in.

Bev x