The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise saved me last night
Had a massive craving hit at a dinner party last night. Everyone was drinking wine and I could feel the pull getting stronger. Excused myself to the bathroom and did the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise from the ResetPoint toolkit: - 5 things I could see (tile pattern, soap dispenser, my reflection, towel rack, light fixture) - 4 things I could touch (cold water, smooth counter, soft towel, phone case) - 3 things I could hear (music from the party, water running, my breathing) - 2 things I could smell (hand soap, candle from the hallway) - 1 thing I could taste (the mint from my gum) By the time I finished, the craving had dropped from a 9 to about a 4. Went back out, grabbed a sparkling water, and actually enjoyed the rest of the evening. These tools work. You just have to use them before you pick up the drink, not after.
Comments (2)
I keep a screenshot of the 5-4-3-2-1 steps on my phone's home screen. When a craving hits, I don't have to remember — I just look at my phone.
This technique is incredible. I use it for anxiety too, not just cravings. The bathroom escape is a pro move — nobody questions it and you get 3-5 minutes of private reset time.