By sitting in the corner and shutting out life and sounds around them, they make it easier to stay inside that painful memory. Using your senses is as simple as keeping your eyes open, as easy as stroking the couch with your hand. It can be as simple as listening to someone's voice or the sound of the radio or television. You must use your senses to literally hang on to today and now. And everyone is different.
Some people ground more easily by touch.
Others rub their feet on the floor. Still others carry Redhots or really sour candy in their purse and eat them when they start to dissociate. Music can also be a powerful grounding technique - or it can make things worse. Keep some music on hand just to help you stay grounded. Keep in mind, though, that the music that grounds may not be the music that relaxes you.