If you're feeling overwhelmed right now,
I invite you to stop for a moment.
You are here.
You are safe.
This will pass.
Nothing is wrong with you.
This is your nervous system trying to protect you.
And right now,
We're helping it calm down.
First,
Look around and name three things you can see.
Light,
Color,
Shape.
Just notice.
Now listen.
Name two things you can hear.
Near,
Far.
Let the sounds ground you.
Now feel one thing you can touch.
Your clothes,
The chair,
The floor.
This tells your brain,
I'm here.
I am okay.
Now breathe,
In through your nose,
And out through your mouth,
Longer than the inhale.
Like a sigh,
Again,
In,
Long out.
One more time,
In,
Long out.
Each long exhale slows the heart.
Now bring attention to your feet.
Feel them,
Pressure,
Contact,
Support.
Wiggle your toes slightly.
Feel the ground.
You are anchored.
Now place a hand on your chest or belly if that feels okay.
Notice your breath.
Silently say,
I am here.
I am safe.
I can handle this.
This will pass.
Let those words sink in.
Notice your body now.
How's anything softened?
Your breath?
Your chest?
Your jaw?
Your shoulders?
Even 1% matters.
This is your nervous system responding.
Now imagine a volume knob on your body.
Slowly turn it down.
Not off.
Just quieter.
Take one more slow breath in.
Long breath out.
You did it.
You regulated yourself.
You are strong.
You are capable.
You are safe.
Return to your day gently.
You've got this.