I've tried different approaches over the years to manage overwhelming moments. Some worked for a while, some didn't feel right for me. What ultimately helped most was a combination of therapy, gradual exposure to my triggers, and small grounding tools I could carry with me along the way.

I'm still on my journey, but slowly facing the things that used to feel impossible is what's made the biggest difference, and I wanted to share what worked, in case any part of it is useful to someone else.

What Is Exposure Therapy?

Exposure therapy is a psychological technique that helps people gradually face and tolerate situations or sensations that feel uncomfortable. It's a well-studied approach, typically practiced under professional guidance, and it's been shown to help build tolerance and confidence over time.

According to the National Library of Medicine, this method can be effective when practiced safely and consistently.

How I Faced My Triggers, One at a Time

At my most overwhelmed, I was avoiding everyday things, driving, standing in checkout lines, anywhere that felt too stimulating. I started small. Sitting in a parked car. Stepping into a crowded space for just a few minutes. Breathing through it.

Eventually, I worked my way up to driving again, then driving on the highway, and then driving on the highway at night, which had been my biggest trigger of all.

What helped most was consistency, and having a small, non-medical tool I trusted to keep in my pocket.

The Role of a Sensory Grounding Tool

While I was working through exposure, I used a hard, sour candy as a sensory grounding technique. The sharpness of the flavor gave my senses something to tune into. The goal was never to rely on it forever, it was something to lean on while I built up my own tolerance, and over time I used it less and less.

Because the technique helped me so much, I eventually created Grounding Sours, an all-natural hard sour candy made with intentionally chosen ingredients like L-theanine, holy basil, and vitamin D.

Learn more about Grounding Sours

Tips for Approaching Exposure with Support

• Build your support system. Sometimes a professional is the right starting point, but it's not always necessary. Letting trusted friends or family know what you're working on can make a real difference.
• Start small. Begin with the gentlest version of a trigger and build up gradually.
• Pair the moment with a sensory anchor. Some people use ice, chewing gum, or something with an intense flavor, like Grounding Sours.
• Track your progress. Journaling how you feel before and after can help you see how far you've come. Keep a list of your triggers and cross them off as you face them. You've earned it.

Read more about how we approach grounding and sensory tools at Re-Route.

I also shared more of my story in a YouTube video if you'd like a deeper dive. Watch it here.

If you're building your own resilience toolkit, consider adding a small grounding tool to your pocket or bag. Nothing replaces professional support, but having something on hand can make the process feel a little more manageable.