Think about your thoughts as a ship. The ship gets to sail through different waters, often calm and relaxing. Sometimes, the waters change, and the wind picks up speed causing strong waves rocking the ship and causing uneasiness. The ship is bound to sink without a solution.  It’s time to take control of the ship. Slow down, bring awareness to the present moment, and regain control. DROP THE ANCHOR.

5 Types of Anchors

  1. 1. Visual Anchor (Sight)
    • Use internal visualization and think of an image that relaxes you (ex: beach).
    • Look & focus on an item. Describe what it looks like
  2. 2. Auditory Anchor (Sound)
    • Focus on 1-2 sounds near you. Describe the sound.
    • Create noise by talking, whistling, singing, clapping, snapping, etc. and focus on sound.
    • Listen to music and describe the sounds you hear.
  3. 3. Tactile Anchor (Touch)
    • Make a fist and focus on the pressure you feel.
    • Valley of Harmony – Press the skin in between your thumb and index finger. Focus on the sensation you feel.
    • Move your body and focus on how your body feels.
  4. 4. Olfactory Anchor (Smell)
    • Take a deep breath in and describe what you smell.
    • Use scented oils, lotions, or aromatherapy and focus on the smell.
  5. 5. Gustatory Anchor (Taste)
    • Pause for a moment and describe what you taste.
    • Eat or drink and focus on the taste (i.e., chew gum, drink a sports beverage, eat fruit, etc.).