Paleo Diet Primal Grounding Earthing Barefoot Health Nature Connect-min

Grounding: When Did You Last Connect?

Have you heard of grounding, or earthing? Perhaps you already do it – maybe without even realising? It might sound a bit new age and made up, but the more I've read about it – and tried it – the more sense it makes.

Earthing is where you allow you your body to be in direct contact with the Earth. You can do this by walking around barefoot, sitting outside outside on the lawn or the sand, or sleeping under the stars (in direct contact with the Earth). Advocates of grounding recommended you do it for at least 30 minutes a day for optimal benefits.

So many people wake up in a high rise house, put their shoes on, drive to work, sit at a desk all day in an insulated office block, drive home – and repeat. Even exercise is often exclusively done indoors in a gym. How many people go weeks without any direct contact to the Earth? Our ancestors walked barefoot and slept on the ground – very different.

The idea behind grounding, is that the Earth has a negative charge. When a person, with an excessive negative charge, walks around in contact with the Earth, the excess of electrons will supposedly be absorbed by the Earth’s surface. By balancing out your body chemistry using the earth, the idea is that you will feel more relaxed and at ease – and with improved sleep.

There are (of course!) lots of companies who have jumped on the grounding/ earthing bandwagon to produce artificial products to mimic the effects of earthing. You can get a grounding mat to put under your desk at work, or earthing sheets, to have the same effect as sleeping on the ground. However, with it being so easy to connect to the Earth naturally, why fake it? The only exception to man made products, that I would put in this category is barefoot shoes. Barefoot shoes like Vibram Five Fingers (VFF’s) are a great way to safely walk around, without worrying about stepping in something you shouldn't.

Paleo Diet Primal Grounding Earthing Barefoot Health Nature Connect-min

It doesn't have to be a huge thing to schedule in your day. Find ways to incorporate earthing with what you already do in your daily life. If you enjoy walking, then walk along the beach barefoot. If you write on a daily basis or read, then just change your environment and enjoy doing those activities while sitting on grass. If you just want some time to relax in your day go outside and enjoy nature for a while.

Whether or not you agree with the science behind earthing – you have to agree walking around barefooted in cool grass feels great?

There are several benefits of earthing/grounding that you won’t discover until you get outdoors and take your shoes off!

Do you regularly connect with the Earth? Does it make you feel better? Please share your experiences in the comments below!

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4 replies
  1. Lauren
    Lauren says:

    I’ve been pondering getting some VFF’s and earthing sounds like something I really should try to work into my daily schedule. I can definitely see the benefits – I always feel a bit more ‘grounded’ after being out in nature.

    Sadly, with Daylight Savings not being here and being in dark by 5PM, I have a feeling I’ll be wandering barefoot in the dark! That’ll be interesting if the neighbours take a peek out their kitchen window 😛 I don’t think it’ll deter me though.

    Great post! 🙂

    Reply
  2. Matilda
    Matilda says:

    Over 10 years ago I did this short course and one of the things they touched on was ‘grounding’. I found it incredibly interesting.
    For example kids who bum shuffle as kids, tend to have poor balance as adults. (I saw this theory tested out too).
    In the summer time I hate wearing shoes. I walk around the house barefoot, then put on sandals when I need to go somewhere.
    I recently got some VFF so come summertime I can walk around more, i can’t wait for the weather to warm up to I can walk around barefoot more.

    Reply
  3. Cam
    Cam says:

    I always walk around barefooted whatever the weather. It’s strange but I hardly ever wear shoes, apart from in real cold weather.
    I feel a bit odd wearing shoes now.

    Reply

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