Department of Family Services – Domestic and Sexual Violence Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-5730 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building, Floor 7, Suite 740
Fairfax, VA 22035
Toni Zollicoffer
Director

Volunteer Voices – Self-Care: Grounding Exercises Can Help

Volutneer Voices newsletter graphic image of conversation clouds, announcement horn, speaker microphone

When we practice self-care, we decrease our stress levels and increase our resilience. 

Often, however, we think of self-care as an indulgence. But it’s not, and everyone should get in on the ways self-care makes us feel good.

One way to start the conversation about self-care is through grounding, which helps keep us in the here and now. These exercises don’t have to be grand or expensive gestures. They can be done any place, any time—and no one even has to know you’re doing them! Get started:

  • three ice cubesUse your five senses. What do you see, hear, feel, smell and taste right now
  • Find three things you have never noticed before. Look around the room and take notice of anything that stands out. Describe these three things to yourself in detail.
  • Use temperature changes. Hold something warm, like a mug of tea, or something cold, like an ice cube, in your hands.
  • Reorient to place and time. Ask yourself where you are, the current date and how old you are.

This article posting is part of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services' Volunteer Voices monthly newsletter for current and potential volunteers. If you're not already a volunteer, learn how to get involved. Find out about upcoming trainings, volunteer trainings, happenings around the DSVS office and information about articles, books, media recommendations and more.

Learn more about the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS).

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