As a kid, there was no greater punishment than to get grounded. Today however, there is a whole different meaning to the phrase "get grounded" - and it's actually a good thing ...

There is much to love about life in the 21st century – modern technology enables us to be more efficient and effective in so many areas of life:

• Thanks to the wonders of Skype, email and social media, we can chat to family and friends on the other side of the world, in real time and even face-to-face.
• We don’t have to spend hours doing the housework, as we have a range of appliances ready to wash our clothes, clean our dishes, and vacuum our floors, all at the touch of a button.
• We jump in the car and drive 50 kilometres without batting an eyelid, whereas once it would have been a trip lasting several days by horse and cart.

The downside of our high tech world is that we seem to be forever trying to cram more and more into our days, to the point where it all becomes a bit of a blur. There is so little “spare” time in our schedules that even the slightest change of plan sends us spinning off course.

As we get busier and more stressed we turn to things like caffeine, sugar and alcohol to help us cope. We sleep less, and worry more.

We are buffeted on every side, by the demands of work, family, finances, study, and all the rest -  and somewhere along the way, we lose sight of what REALLY matters.

What we really need is to get grounded!

What does it mean to Get Grounded?

Our fast-paced lifestyles mean we are so busy racing around, often on auto-pilot, that there is a real disconnect between our bodies and our minds.

While our body might be physically present, our minds are often anywhere but! This disconnection can lead to feelings of overwhelm, stress or anxiety. The connection between ourselves and our natural environment - the ground - has implications for our health and wellbeing ... and the sad fact is our modern lifestyle means that we rarely stop to smell the roses. Heck, we rarely even get outside!

So next time you are feeling flustered, irritated, distracted, worn out and just plain OVER IT, take a few moments to get grounded. Not sure how? Check out the list below:

Get Grounded: Tips for Everyday

• Go to Ground – there’s a reason it’s called “grounding”! You don’t have to roll around in the dirt like your dog does (though you can if you really want), to foster that connection with your physical environment. Instead, you could water your garden, leave the office and go to the park to eat your lunch, or play mud pies with the kids (they’ll love you for it!).
• Let Mother Nature Nurture You – Stop and smell the roses, or sit in the sunshine with your eyes closed, just soaking up the light and the warmth. Watch a sunrise or a sunset, alone or with a loved one. Even enjoying the smell of the earth after rain can help you feel refreshed!
• Move Your Body – Getting active is great for bringing mind and body back into sync, whether it’s yoga, dancing, jogging, bike riding, swimming ... the list goes on.
• Wash your cares away - Whether it’s a bath or a shower, you can wash your cares away. Enjoy the scent of the bath products. Feel the sting of the spray, and pay attention to the noise of the water as it gurgles down the drain. Then gently moisturise your body afterwards, paying attention to the scent, and the feel of your skin, and how quickly the lotion is absorbed. 
• Pet Therapy – Man's best friend is a great ally in getting grounded. Give your dog a pat or tummy tickle, or take them for a walk. You can stroke your cat, and listen to their purr. Talk to your guinea pig, bird, or even a pet rock. If nothing else - feed the birds, or watch the butterflies, in your garden.
• Take Your Stress in Hand - You might be stuck at your desk but you can still squeeze a stress ball. At home with the kids? Start kneading some play dough!
• Gotta Getaway - Join our next Wellness in the Wilderness one day retreat in the gorgeous Gold Coast Hinterland!

It probably all sounds a bit light-hearted, fun even, but the point is you don't have to be a yoga teacher or expert in meditation to get grounded every day. Being grounded is a basic principle of mindfulness – focusing on the present moment, helps us to stay centred, balanced, and better able to withstand the pressures of life, reducing anxiety, depression and stress.

Want more ideas on how to cope when you are feeling overwhelmed? Make an appointment with a Gold Coast psychologist at Guidelight Psychology & Wellness Hub by calling (07) 5527 0123 - we'd love to help.