When was the last time you ran barefoot through the grass? Walked barefoot along the beach? Every now and then, we all need a little self-care to help us deal with the stressors of daily life. Going barefoot and grounding myself is my go-to daily practice for relaxing and recharging when life gets busy and overwhelming.

What is Grounding?

Grounding (also referred to as earthing), is simply connecting your skin with the surface of the Earth in some uninterrupted way. From walking barefoot, to sitting and placing the palms of your hands on the Earth, to swimming at the beach, grounding connects you to the Earth’s healing energy.

So what’s behind it? Simply put, electrical charges from the Earth have beneficial effects on your body. Surprisingly, studies show these positive effects begin to happen in as little as two seconds (work up to at least 30 minutes to see changes in your blood).

Health Benefits of Grounding

So many of us no longer have regular contact with the Earth. We work hard and spend much of our time indoors. We’re connected to the internet rather than the outdoors, and we can go days, weeks, or even months without truly touching the ground. We’re disconnected and no longer grounded.

Research is relatively new and more research needs to be done, but emerging studies (and those who practice grounding) agree that grounding/earthing may be beneficial in:

• Improved sleep
• Reduced pain
• Decreased stress and anxiety
• Better sleep and decreased levels of fatigue
• Improved mood
• Cardiac benefits, such as reduced blood pressure
• Improved healing
• Improved circulation
• and more…

I can personally say that grounding helps me feel centered, better balanced, calmer, and less stressed. Even better? You can practice it for free with no special equipment, and right in your own yard.

Ready to Give it a Go?

It doesn’t matter when you practice grounding (any time of the day works), but consistency is best. Find a time of day that works best for you. Maybe it’s first thing in the morning, or at the end of your work day. While I practice grounding in the morning, you can go so far as to purchase an earthing or grounding mat, or bed pads for sleeping that are said to enhance and deepen your sleep.

However you choose to try it, fit grounding into your daily routine. For me, that’s at the end of my morning walk/run. I always park my car at a specific spot that allows me access to the beach. At the end of my walk or run, I take off my shoes and walk the beach barefoot. My favourite beach is lined with huge boulders where I can just sit, take in the view, and stick my feet in the water to ground myself. It’s the best way to start my day and it keeps me balanced and calmer, ready to face whatever the day brings.

Try it! What have you got to lose?

Maybe you already practice grounding. If so, let me know your favourite way to ground yourself, and what you think.