In our fast-paced and technology-driven world, finding moments to connect with nature and ground ourselves can be transformative for our overall health and well-being. Grounding, also known as earthing, involves connecting with the Earth's natural energy by walking barefoot, sitting, or lying down on the ground. In this blog post, we will explore the health benefits of grounding, different ways to incorporate it into your daily life, and how much time you should aim to ground each day.
The Health Benefits of Grounding:
Reduced Inflammation: Grounding has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body, which can help alleviate chronic pain, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.
Improved Sleep: Grounding can positively impact sleep quality by regulating cortisol levels and supporting a healthy circadian rhythm. It can help reduce insomnia, promote relaxation, and enhance overall sleep patterns.
Enhanced Mood and Stress Reduction: Connecting with the Earth's energy can have a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing stress, anxiety, and improving overall mood. Grounding may help increase feelings of peace, clarity, and emotional well-being.
Improved Immune Function: Grounding has shown potential to support a healthy immune response by reducing oxidative stress and promoting a balanced inflammatory response.
Better Blood Flow and Cardiovascular Health: Grounding has been associated with improved blood circulation, potentially aiding in cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Ways to Ground:
Walking Barefoot: Take off your shoes and walk on natural surfaces like grass, sand, or soil. Allow your feet to make direct contact with the Earth. This is the easiest way to obtain the benefits of grounding. Do this at the beach or in your backyard to connect with the Earth’s energy.
Gardening: Engage in gardening activities such as planting, weeding, or simply touching the soil with your hands. This allows for direct physical contact with the Earth.
Sitting or Lying Down: Find a comfortable spot outdoors and sit or lie down directly on the ground. Use a blanket or mat for added comfort, if needed. Avoid any contact with synthetic fibers or plastics as they can disrupt the flow of energy.
Grounding Mats or Sheets: Utilize specially designed grounding mats or sheets that connect to the Earth's energy via a grounded outlet or a grounding rod outside. Some of these devices can be on the pricy side, but the benefit is that these can be used indoors for convenience.
How Much Time does it Take to Ground? The amount of time you should aim to ground each day can vary depending on your schedule and personal preferences. Starting with as little as 15 to 30 minutes per day can be beneficial. However, spending more time grounding, especially in natural environments, can amplify the benefits. Listen to your body and adjust the duration according to what feels nourishing and rejuvenating for you.
How to Incorporate Grounding into Your Daily Life:
Begin your day by walking barefoot on grass or soil for a few minutes. Increase the time as it benefits you.
Take short breaks during the day to step outside and connect with nature. Sit on a bench, lean against a tree, or simply stand barefoot on the ground. This can be on your lunch break at work, or while you take a phone call.
Practice mindfulness while grounding. Focus on your breath, observe the sights and sounds of nature, and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment.
Create a grounding ritual before bed. Spend a few minutes lying on the ground or using a grounding mat to relax and release the day's stresses.
Make outdoor activities a regular part of your routine. Engage in activities like hiking, camping, or picnicking in natural settings to maximize your grounding experience.
Grounding is a simple and powerful practice that reconnects us with the Earth's natural energy, offering a multitude of health benefits. Kick off those shoes and enjoy what our Earth has to offer!
References:
Menigoz W, Latz TT, Ely RA, Kamei C, Melvin G, Sinatra D. Integrative and lifestyle medicine strategies should include Earthing (grounding): Review of research evidence and clinical observations. Explore (NY). 2020 May-Jun;16(3):152-160. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2019.10.005. Epub 2019 Nov 14. PMID: 31831261. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550830719305476?via%3Dihub
Oschman JL, Chevalier G, Brown R. The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. J Inflamm Res. 2015 Mar 24;8:83-96. doi: 10.2147/JIR.S69656. PMID: 25848315; PMCID: PMC4378297. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4378297/pdf/jir-8-083.pdf
Disclaimer: Information in this article is for educational or information purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or consultation with healthcare professionals. Elevate Functional Nutrition LLC does not offer medical advice and assumes no responsibility or liability for the information contained in this post. Always consult a medical professional or other qualified health care provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
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