Grounding yourself through animal and nature connection

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In this video, I’m continuing our series on triggering—what to do when old emotional material comes up and overwhelms us.

We’ve already looked at tools like breathing, movement, singing, and Qigong. Today, I’m sharing two more really helpful ways to support yourself when you’re in that dysregulated state: connecting with nature and using cold exposure.

Nature helps us ground when we’re triggered. That could be standing barefoot on the grass, walking in the bush, hugging a tree, or just looking at the sky. We are nature, and getting back into connection with it can be deeply calming.

Animals are also a powerful part of this. Playing with your dog or cat, listening to birds, or spending time with any animal that brings you joy—these connections help regulate us too. The animal kingdom is already in balance, and being around them can gently bring us back into harmony.

Cold exposure is another tool—ice on the back of the neck, cold water on the wrists or face, or even a short cold shower can all help calm the nervous system by stimulating the vagus nerve.

When we’re activated, we don’t have to stay stuck there. These simple tools can support you to come back to calm. I hope this was helpful—feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further support.

James Hands Holistic Psychologist Spiritual Hypnotherapist Author and creator of Awaken Therapy https://www.awakentherapy.com.au/

Disclaimer: this episode is for education and information purposes only. It does not constitute individual advice and the information contained may not be applicable or appropriate for everyone. If you need support, consider seeking individualised support from a qualified health professional.