Weekly Update

Taste-Based Grounding: A Quick Sensory Reset

Ali is one of our Peer Support Workers at the Recovery & Wellbeing College, and she often shares simple things that have made a real difference for her. This is one she returns to when things start to feel overwhelming.

Sometimes when everything feels a bit too much, I find it really helpful to bring myself back to my senses — literally. One of the quickest ways I do this is through taste.

Taste-based grounding is a simple technique I use to interrupt overwhelming thoughts and gently reconnect with my body. Strong flavours grab your attention straight away and pull you back into the present moment.

All you need is something with a noticeable taste — a sour sweet, a slice of lemon or orange, or even a mint. I like this because it’s easy to carry and you can use it almost anywhere.

If you want to give it a try, this is what I do:

• I place a sour sweet, mint, or slice of fruit in my mouth
• I focus on the flavour as it hits
• I notice what’s happening — tingling, cooling, watering, or puckering
• I take a slow breath in through my nose, and out through my mouth
• I let the taste pull my attention back into the moment
• When it fades, I take one more steady breath

For me, this is one of the few quick grounding techniques that consistently works. A strong flavour cuts through spiralling thoughts and brings me back into my body.

I also like how discreet it is — I can carry something small and use it without anyone noticing. It gives me a quick reset and helps me feel more steady again.

It’s a small thing, but it can really help — so if you’re curious, why not give it a try and see how it feels for you?

Want to know more?

We still have spaces available on some courses — head to the course timetable icon to see what’s on offer for the rest of the term.

We’re recruiting a Recovery College Coach to design and deliver recovery‑focused courses and workshops that support people to live meaningful lives beyond or alongside illness or disability. The role has a particular focus on expanding our curriculum for people with eating disorders, working collaboratively with learners, carers, services, and people with lived experience.

0.5 FTE, salary £32,073–£39,043 pro rata.

🔗 More information and application details: Job Advert