I’ve posted about grounding on social media a few times, but realized this term is new to some folks. This healing process can also be called earthing.
It’s one of my go-to ways to process anxiousness, stress, fatigue, frustration, lethargy, confusion, brain overload, exhaustion and so many more physical and mental imbalances.
Today, I’m sharing what grounding is, why it’s beneficial and how you can practice this simple stress-reducing, self-healing technique for yourself.
What is Grounding?
Grounding, or earthing, happens when the human body (usually the hands or feet) makes “electrically conductive” contact with the earth through bare skin, resulting in positive physiological (body processes) changes, according to a study published in the Journal of Inflammation Research.
When you touch the earth, the free electrons from the earth come into contact with your body. The study says these produce antioxidant effects, in turn calming “smoldering” issues in the body.
For the most effective contact, I’ve been told it’s best to take your shoes off. This is easier than it sounds if you think about walking on a beach with bare feet, or going into the yard with your kids or pets. Bare hands work too! Digging in the soil as you plant flowers or tend a garden counts as grounding.
During the colder winter months, try making an indoor zen garden. Touching sand and rocks can mirror the health benefits of being outdoors. (I wrote about making a zen garden for Tom’s of Maine.)
Disclosure: This blog is reader-supported, which means this post contains affiliate links and advertisements. I earn a small commission if you shop through them, which helps fund this website so I can continue to bring you amazing content. Thank you! ~Angela
Why is Grounding Beneficial?
Grounding benefits the body by managing inflammation, reducing pain, calming autoimmunity, healing wounds, boosting mood and preventing disease, the study finds. On the medical side of things, grounding changes the levels of white blood cells and molecules associated with inflammation.
I can personally say that I also find this to be true. When I’m feeling a little physical autoimmune yuckiness coming on, or I’m overly tired from being on the computer, I like to sit outside—on the earth. If it’s warm, I get barefoot, stretch out and just sink into the support and comfort. During cool weather, I use my bare hands. Yes, it sounds strange, but it really does energize me.
Spending time in direct contact with the earth has also been found to calibrate your day-night cycle so you get better sleep. I’m a huge fan of getting enough rest at night, and taking daytime naps as needed to boost focus and energy. Learn about the health benefits of napping in this article I wrote for Sleep Number.
7 Ways to Practice Grounding
You can practice grounding—or time connected directly to the earth—for a few minutes, or a few hours each day. It’s up to you.
Depending on what you read or learn, some people feel that grounding must happen with soil, or the earth below you. I feel it’s also effective when making contact with trees, flowers, water and other earth elements. Go outside and see what works for you.
I like to practice grounding by:
- Lying on the ground with some bare skin (legs, hands, feet) touching the grass.
- Swimming, dipping my feet or floating in a lake or river.
- Touching the bark of a tree, and pausing to connect.
- Running my fingers over soft flower petals or leaves.
- Sitting on the earth during a hiking/walking break, and pressing my hands down firmly.
- Feeling earth elements, such as moss, mud or water, with my hands.
- Reclining in a bed of tall grasses and staring at the sky.
There are so many ways you can make contact with the earth. I hope this list inspired you to find your favorite ways to ground yourself.
Learn more about grounding and some techniques you can try in articles from Healthline and Teledoc Health.
Make Grounding a Daily Practice
I try to weave little moments of grounding into my days to reduce a buildup of anxiety, stress and frustration. We all collect these moments on occasion, and if we don’t release them, they accumulate and turn into bad days and/or illness. My days feel much better physically and mentally when I’ve made contact with the earth!
Until next time,
Choose healthy!
Angela
PS: Wonder what I’m up to this week? Visit me on Facebook at Cupcakes and Yoga Pants!
