The 5-4-3-2-1 Technique

When you see stress coming on, pause, breathe, and do the following: Find:

• 5 things you can see.
• 4 things you can touch.
• 3 things you can hear.
• 2 things you can smell.
• 1 thing you can taste

Linger on each and take it in completely. The goal is to redirect your attention to other things. You can’t concentrate on stressors while your other senses are fully engaged.