Have you ever gone on a barefoot walk along the water’s edge and felt like a whole new person afterwards? Maybe you felt more relaxed, maybe your outlook on life felt a bit lifted or maybe you just felt refreshed?
That’s grounding.
When we connect with our bare feet to the Earth’s surface, our nervous system becomes regulated by our planet’s biorhythms. There’s an energetic exchange that happens between our bodies and the earth. Does it sound a bit hippie-dippy and totally out there? It does, until you think about how we are natural beings of the earth.
If you have ever seen a horse roll in the dirt, a dog, cat, chicken or pig do the same thing? They are grounding their energy. They may also be getting a nice back rub, dirt bath or spreading their scent as a bonus. But, grounding just feels good to them.
Grounding is easy!
- Go for a walk without your shoes in your own yard
- Find a patch of grass and put your barefeet in it
- Sit on a picnic blanket on a piece of grass, sand or dirt
- Swim in a natural source of water
- Water your outdoor plants while barefoot
- Sit on a nice rock
- Dig in soil with bare hands – soft soil plantings in the ground, not pots
Any amount of time helps, but a minimum of 20 minutes daily is the recommended amount for the most benefit.
What does grounding (or earthing) help with?
- Healing of all sorts – boosts immune system
- Improves mental health
- Relieves chronic pain
- Improves sleep
- Relieves inflammation in the body
- Decreases symptoms of heart disease
What are the risks?
Certainly, don’t walk in areas that might be dangerous to walk with bare feet. Always choose a safe location that your trust. Look where you are stepping, if you are walking. Do not do any heavy work (even gardening) while barefoot. Putting your hands in dirt works well, too!
If you do get any cuts, make sure to wash with warm soapy water. Treat any injury with care and use anti-bacterial treatments for open wounds.
It is not recommended to walk barefoot for long periods of time. If you are new to barefoot walking, take it slowly. Allow yourself to build up the strength and toughness that your skin might need. Even walking barefoot in sand can be irritating to skin that isn’t used to it. Bring footwear with you, always, even on the beach.
Do you have a grounding or earthing practice? Would you like to try it? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
I remove my shoes and walk through the grass in front of my house whenever possible. Sometimes, I stand on a tree stump and let the sun hit my face. Total recharge!