What Is 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique to Calm Anxiety?

By Yashika Goel
24 Jul 2025, 17:00 IST

What is the 5-4-3-2-1 technique?

5-4-3-2-1 is a viral coping and mindfulness technique to manage stress and anxiety. It helps calm your mind anytime, anywhere.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of fear and uneasiness that makes you sweat, restless and tired all the time. It also affects your sleep. It affects your mental health and well-being.

5 Things You Can See

Look around your surroundings and identify the shape and texture of five things you can see. For example, a painting, a vase, a chair, or a book.

4 Things You Can Touch

Try to focus on the things that you can feel, like the breeze on your face or the softness of your blanket.

3 Things You Can Hear

Try to identify three distant and different sounds around you, such as the noise of traffic, the chirping of birds, or the barking of a dog.

2 Things You Can Smell

Try to notice two things you can smell. Like the smell of the coffee and the fragrance of scented candles.

1 Thing You Can Taste

Try to focus on the sense of your taste. Like the taste of the freshly squeezed lemon or the taste of a chocolate.

Information credits

This information is taken from the trusted health website, Healthline. However, it is always advisable to consult a psychologist for expert advice.