5-4-3-2-1 Five Senses

This exercise will help ground you in the present moment using your five senses.

5

Things You Can See

👁️

Look around you. Name 5 things you can see.

Take your time. Notice colors, shapes, and textures.

4

Things You Can Touch

✋

Notice 4 things you can physically feel right now.

Your feet on the floor, the air on your skin, the texture of your clothing.

3

Things You Can Hear

👂

Listen carefully. Identify 3 sounds around you.

Even subtle sounds count - your breathing, distant traffic, the hum of electronics.

2

Things You Can Smell

👃

Take a deep breath. Notice 2 scents in your environment.

If you can't smell anything distinct, notice the absence of smell or recall favorite scents.

1

Thing You Can Taste

👅

Focus on 1 thing you can taste right now.

It might be lingering from a recent meal, a drink, or simply the taste of your own mouth.

Take a Moment

🌬️

Take a slow, deep breath. You are here, in this moment, and you are safe.

✓

Grounding Complete!

Well done! You've anchored yourself in the present moment using all five senses.

Notice how you feel now. More centered? More aware? This tool is always available to you.

Next Steps

After completing this exercise:

  • Notice how you feel in your body
  • Repeat if needed to deepen the grounding
  • Try another exercise from the Reality Reminders section
  • Write down what you noticed to remember for next time