Grounding: Why should we practice?

Grounding or otherwise known as “Earthing” is a way for humans to connect directly with the Earth’s natural electric field. There are many ways to practice grounding which we will discuss shortly. Many believe that grounding is simply just walking around barefoot outside but there is many more ways that you can practice grounding! There has also been some scientific research done on grounding and many have found it to be controversial. For some it works and others that try it and do not find it as appealing or find that it works for them. If this is something that you would like to try here are some ways that you can practice today!

Walking Barefoot in Nature

This is one of my favorite ways to practice grounding and as someone who struggles with overstimulation and anxiety I find it to be a useful tool to help me find calm in chaos or to help me find a way to cope when I need a break. Walking barefoot has many benefits besides feeling good for your mind and body. It can reduce stress, help you sleep at night, reduce inflammation within the body, boost circulation, and can provide joint pain relief.

Morning Meditating in Sunlight

This is another one of my favorite ways to practice grounding in the morning especially with a cup of coffee and if the weather is nice practicing it outside is preferred. Spending some time outdoor meditating can enhance your vitamin D production (which can help build your immune system and bone health along with regulating your mood), elevating your mood and your focus in the morning and many have found it eases morning anxiety and jitters and symptoms of depression, as someone who struggles with chronic pain I find it can ease my pain at times when I start my day outdoors soaking in the sun rays.

Hugging a Tree

Now I know for some this may sound odd but hugging a tree actually has benefits and some may surprise you. Now this practice is actually more common in Chinese medicine and not as much in Western medicine. Now when you hug a tree immediately it can lower stress levels, release oxytocin within the body because it mimics human touch and triggers the release of oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine (the happy hormones), and it can regulate your heart rate as well.

Now how does a tree do this?

Trees have an extensive root system and they are highly conductive and they have a natural electric frequency that helps humans in turn it can shift the body out of fight or flight response and help the body calm down or remain calm.

Sound Vibrations

This one I use occasionally however, I do use this more for my child at bedtime and I found it really helps him calm down and sleep through the night. When using sound vibrations like Himalayan or Tibetan singing bowls, sound baths, binaural beats, and

vibroacoustic therapies it can begin promoting stress reduction within the body, and calm the nervous system. Some people have noticed it helps .

Deep Breathing Techniques

I find this one to be very helpful during panic and anxiety attacks. It can be helpful to reduce your cortisol levels and can even help reduce blood pressure. When you practice deep breathing techniques it gives you cognitive clarity and boosts your oxygen levels, and helps to aid in focus and gives you a way to release tension. Deep breathing shifts our fight or flight and let’s our nervous system know that we are safe.

Outdoor Stretching or Yoga

The benefits of outdoor stretching and yoga as a grounding practice is truly endless! When you practice yoga outdoors (especially barefoot) it gives you a direct energy transfer with the ground and like I explained earlier this can help reduce inflammation. Another benefit is sensory awareness. It grounds you in the moment and redirects your attention to the outdoors and your surroundings. Now, depending on the type of yoga you are doing and poses this in itself will have benefits as well. Mostly, I practice yoga indoors but I notice when I practice outside I feel more relaxed and in the mornings I feel more energized and ready to tackle my day.

Why Should We Practice Grounding?

So, we end this post with the question “Why should we practice grounding?” as you can see with just these few ways to practice grounding that I have shared here it is extremely beneficial for the mind and body. It gives you a way to balance yourself physically and mentally. If you are someone who struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, or depression it is even more beneficial. As a society, many no longer practice grounding and I truly believe if many practice it again it can help reshape the mental and physical health of our society!