There’s a little game we have at home.
Not with blocks, not with balls, and definitely without batteries.
But it works—like a Swiss watch, just quieter.
It’s called “5×5.”
And it’s useful for everyone: adults, kids, those who suddenly feel anxious, and those who got so overexcited it’s as if they ate three ice creams right before bedtime.
If anxiety starts creeping in, or a panic attack feels like it’s tiptoeing closer, or a child simply can’t “switch off” before sleep—we don’t argue and we don’t persuade.
We play.
Wherever you are— in bed, in the kitchen, or standing in line for bread — we start engaging all our senses.
Step 1. Visual.
Name 5 things you can see around you.
Yes, even the dust on the shelf counts.
Step 2. Tactile.
Touch 5 different textures: pajamas, a pillow, a blanket, mom’s hair, your own cat (if the cat agrees).
Step 3. Auditory.
Listen carefully and name 5 sounds you can hear.
The key word here is really listen, not “oh, it’s quiet.”
Step 4. Olfactory.
Name 5 smells.
If that’s tricky, you can smell something safe: a favorite toy, your wrist, or mom (moms usually don’t mind).
Step 5. Gustatory.
Name 5 tastes you can still feel in your mouth.
If teeth are already brushed and life is strict—2 or 3 will do. This is not the army.
When the game ends, it usually turns out that your feet are back here, your breathing is back now, and the anxiety has quietly gone off to have some tea.
And it’s also a wonderful way to notice how different we all are: one person sees the curtains, another notices the shadow from the lamp.
And how many interesting things are around us—right here, in this very room.
Almost like magic.
Just without a magic wand. ✨
Not with blocks, not with balls, and definitely without batteries.
But it works—like a Swiss watch, just quieter.
It’s called “5×5.”
And it’s useful for everyone: adults, kids, those who suddenly feel anxious, and those who got so overexcited it’s as if they ate three ice creams right before bedtime.
If anxiety starts creeping in, or a panic attack feels like it’s tiptoeing closer, or a child simply can’t “switch off” before sleep—we don’t argue and we don’t persuade.
We play.
Wherever you are— in bed, in the kitchen, or standing in line for bread — we start engaging all our senses.
Step 1. Visual.
Name 5 things you can see around you.
Yes, even the dust on the shelf counts.
Step 2. Tactile.
Touch 5 different textures: pajamas, a pillow, a blanket, mom’s hair, your own cat (if the cat agrees).
Step 3. Auditory.
Listen carefully and name 5 sounds you can hear.
The key word here is really listen, not “oh, it’s quiet.”
Step 4. Olfactory.
Name 5 smells.
If that’s tricky, you can smell something safe: a favorite toy, your wrist, or mom (moms usually don’t mind).
Step 5. Gustatory.
Name 5 tastes you can still feel in your mouth.
If teeth are already brushed and life is strict—2 or 3 will do. This is not the army.
When the game ends, it usually turns out that your feet are back here, your breathing is back now, and the anxiety has quietly gone off to have some tea.
And it’s also a wonderful way to notice how different we all are: one person sees the curtains, another notices the shadow from the lamp.
And how many interesting things are around us—right here, in this very room.
Almost like magic.
Just without a magic wand. ✨
