5 Senses Safari
Explore the present moment with all your senses!
Explore the present moment with all your senses!
When you are worried, your mind is usually in the FUTURE (thinking about what might happen) or the PAST (thinking about what already happened). A 5 Senses Safari brings you back to RIGHT NOW by noticing what your senses are experiencing in this exact moment. This is called mindfulness, and it is one of the most powerful tools for calming anxiety!
Look around you right now. What do you SEE?
Name 5 things you can see. They can be anything - colors, objects, shapes, patterns.
Close your eyes and listen carefully. What do you HEAR?
Name 4 sounds. They can be loud or quiet, near or far.
Notice what your body is touching right now. What do you FEEL?
Name 3 things you can feel physically touching your body.
Take a deep breath through your nose. What do you SMELL?
Name 2 scents you notice. They might be faint or strong.
Pay attention to your mouth. What do you TASTE?
Name 1 taste you notice right now.
When your mind is racing with "what ifs," a quick 5 senses check brings you back to the safe present moment.
Having trouble sleeping? Do a 5 senses safari in bed. It quiets racing thoughts and helps you relax.
Feeling test anxiety? Take 2 minutes to notice your 5 senses. It calms your nervous system and clears your mind.
In a hurry? Do the 5-4-3-2-1 version: 5 things you see, 4 you hear, 3 you feel, 2 you smell, 1 you taste!