Yearning for healthy habits but can’t commit to a time consuming ritual? Grounding might be something for you! It’s also super easy to add to any routine.
I only write about practices that have had an impact on my own life, and I’ve found that grounding has been key to maintaining a balanced body, mind and soul. In fact, If I go just a couple of days without grounding, I start to feel stressed, restless, and bloated…to name a few.
What is Grounding
Grounding is exactly what the name suggests; grounding ourselves to the earth by planting our bare feet on grass, soil, sand or rock. Personally, I feel the effects most when on grass but it is all about what works for us.
Think back to a time when you were walking barefoot on fresh grass or sinking your toes into the sand at the beach. Feels pretty good, right? Now, how often do you actually do those things? Probably not as much as you’d like. Without realizing it, while we walk around in shoes, socks, or slippers, we are constantly disconnecting ourselves from the earth. From our Earth.
How it Works
When being barefoot against the natural ground, the earth has electrons that are absorbed through our feet. By doing this, it supports organ function, cellular tissue regeneration, and eases inflammation — kickstarting our body’s natural healing process. The reason this helps ease inflammation is because these negatively charged electrons will neutralize free radicals, which are positively charged and found wherever there is inflammation in the body.
Without getting too caught up in the details, this simple act of placing our bare feet on the ground to absorb the earth’s electrons is comparable to consuming a bunch of antioxidants, only this option is completely free. If you are still not convinced, it also regulates our circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm is our internal clock. It is responsible for telling our bodies when to sleep and when to wake up. There is a reason why, as humans, we feel exhausted after a day spent outside. Grounding naturally stimulates a reset of our circadian rhythms. It is also important to note that to keep our circadian rhythms in check, it is best to avoid any and all screens before bed as the artificial light (blue light specifically) tricks our brains into thinking it’s morning. This can result in a significant increase in insomnia.
Let`s Talk Signs & Symptoms
When our bodies and energies are grounded, we feel at ease, present, and in control. When we are not grounded, it becomes a domino effect that throws our whole body out of sync. A few tell-tale signs are insomnia, feeling spacey, feeling distracted, and feeling anxious. If we are too focused on the material world and not taking time to listen to our body’s needs, that’s a pretty good sign you need to take a hot minute and ground yourself.
How to Ground Yourself
I don’t think there are easier instructions than what I am about to tell you…
1. Go outside.
2. Take your shoes off.
3. Enjoy.
If you live somewhere warm all year-round, it won’t get much easier for you. Unfortunately, to folks like me who have the pleasure of experiencing winter for five months of the year, it can be tricky. Luckily, I have a little mental exercise for you if you find yourself in a pinch…
Make sure you are sitting in an upright position and have your bare feet flat on the floor. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Try to really relax your mind. Now, keep your eyes closed and focus on your feet. Imagine yourself standing on the grass, with roots stretching down from your feet, growing deep into the earth. Keep yourself in this space for a few moments. Imagine yourself absorbing all of the amazing benefits that come from the earth. When you are ready, open your eyes. Voila!
If you are not able to ground yourself physically every day, do this exercise. I promise you will start to feel better and better the more you do it. I also highly suggest looking into Clint Ober, the man who pioneered the term “grounding” back in the ’70s. Since his own research began, there have now been more than 21 Medical studies showing the benefits. His documentary is called The Art of Grounding and is worth the watch.
