Day 2: Five Senses
Have you ever found your mind wandering down a spiral of anxious thoughts? A simple exercise like today’s can help lift our minds out of this spiral by connecting our minds to our five senses: sight, sound, touch, smell and taste.
Think of this exercise as a sensory workout for your mind! It will help ground you in the present moment, and bring some peace to ease your worry.
First, take a moment to notice five things you can see. Perhaps it’s your desktop or phone screen, a wall across from you or a nearby piece of furniture.
Second, tune into four things you can touch or feel, such as the ground underneath your feet, the warmth of a sweater or a breeze around you.
Third, acknowledge three things you can hear, such as the hum of a furnace, traffic noise or a colleague humming nearby.
Fourth, notice two things you can smell, such as your cup of coffee or the laundry detergent from your clothing.
Lastly, notice one thing you can taste. Maybe it’s your morning toothpaste or the lingering flavour of a delicious lunch.
This exercise is a reminder that practicing mindfulness doesn’t have to be a strain on our time. With just a few short moments, we can bring our minds into the present and feel more prepared for the day ahead.