What Is the 333 Rule for Anxiety?
If you regularly experience anxiety, you may have researched ways to reduce your anxiety and come across a coping mechanism known as the “333 rule.” But how does it work? The next time you’re feeling anxious, try:
- Naming three things you see
- Naming three sounds you hear
- Moving three body parts
How Does the 333 Rule Reduce Anxiety?
Although the 333 rule doesn’t work in every situation, it can be helpful in grounding you. By concentrating on sights, sounds, and movements, you can stop fixating on your worries and instead focus on the present moment. Our brain can not be in two places at once. One of the benefits of the 333 rule is that it doesn’t require someone to be in a certain place or have access to a certain object—instead, they can use it virtually anytime and from almost anywhere. My clients in Virginia and NJ love this tool because they can use it at work, on the metro or during a social event without anyone knowing. You can even practice the 333 rule when you’re not feeling anxious to start establishing it as a habit. This helps make this an easier tool to reach for when you are feeling anxious.
For More Information
If you’d like to know more about how the 333 rule can help combat anxiety, contact us today. I have experience using the 333 rule and various other techniques to treat anxiety, and can develop a care approach that’s customized to your specific needs. When you reach out, I’ll tell you more about my practice in Manasquan, NJ or my virtual offerings for VA, DC, MD, TX or FL, answer your questions, and arrange a time for you to attend a free 15 minute consultation. I look forward to meeting with you and helping you take the next step toward stopping your anxiety.
