What is the 3-3-3 rule in mental health?
The 3-3-3 Rule in Mental Health
The 3-3-3 rule is a simple grounding technique commonly used to help individuals manage anxiety, stress, or panic attacks. It's designed to bring your focus to the present moment and interrupt anxious thoughts.
How the 3-3-3 Rule Works
- Look around you and name three things you see.
- Listen and name three sounds you hear.
- Move three parts of your body. This could be wiggling your fingers, rotating your ankles, or shrugging your shoulders.
This technique helps distract your mind from overwhelming thoughts and centers your attention on your immediate surroundings and bodily sensations. It's an effective, easy-to-remember strategy that can be used anywhere and at any time you need to regain a sense of calm.