Using a Countdown Timer As A Tool for Grounding

Posted on Last updated: May 26, 2021 By: Author Lindsay Braman, MACP, LMHCA

You know how time can seem to stop in a high anxiety or much-dreaded situation? Having a countdown on your watch or phone that shows that hours, minutes, and seconds really are ticking by can be a helpful tool to ground yourself and get through it. ...If appropriate to the context, music can work the same way. Props to my first therapist who recommended listening to a very familiar musical soundtrack during dental procedures to help my brain track time passing. ..#brainhacking #anxietyrecovery #dreadingmonday #productivity #selfkindness #reparenting #clocks #mentalhealthtips - from Instagram

Often, it can feel like time has stopped when we are in a high anxiety or much-dreaded situation. Having a countdown on your watch or phone that shows that hours, minutes, and seconds really are ticking by can be a helpful tool to ground yourself and get through it. If appropriate to the context, music can work the same way- an auditory cue to help you move forward through an experience.

Download this art as a printable PDF

Yellow background with an orange and gold analog clock drawn in the center. The clock reads 7:12. Text around the clock reads: "Setting a countdown timer can help us get through tough situations. It's a visual reminder that time is passing."

Or get All-Access as a $5/mo Patron

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Yellow background with an orange and gold analog clock drawn in the center. The clock reads 7:12. Text around the clock reads: “Setting a countdown timer can help us get through tough situations. It’s a visual reminder that time is passing.”

Through Patreon, you can get instant access to download all printable PDFs, licensing for professional use, and early releases- all while supporting the creation of more resources.