There's a new saying that I have been hearing people say this year when someone is upset, “go touch grass”. While it may sound like a cheeky response my millennial little sister would say to our boomer parents, there is a lot of truth in that statement.
Ten years ago I was introduced to the concept of earthing and grounding and the many benefits that come along with regular grounding. Our lives have pulled us away from the earth, especially here in Canada with the weather and difficult winters. The concept is very simple. We build up a static charge as we move and go about our day. Rubber soled shoes and polyester clothing have increased that build up of charge exponentially year after year. Now we throw in electrical devices, phones, wifi, and 5G towers for a few more positive ions for good measure. That build up is something that affects our bodies. There are lots of products that one could purchase for a lot of money that will help you ground your home and personal space and they are great, however, my favorite option is free and found in your very own back yard or garden.
In the summer months, outside of work, you will rarely find me with shoes on. I spend time outside barefoot on the earth every morning while I enjoy my morning coffee and again in the evening as I work in my little garden or flower beds. As someone that suffers from a chronic pain condition I feel a huge improvement in my pain levels once the snow melts and I can “touch grass” again. So… placebo or not?
According to the world wide web here are some of the benefits of getting outside barefoot on the ground everyday!
The earth is a fountain of negative Ions and there is a theory that soaking up those will help your body release the positive ions that build up throughout your day as we spend time with electronics everyday either at work or at home or BOTH!
The first Physical benefits of earthing I found is reduced stress on the nervous system. If we can reduce the stress on our nervous systems it activates the parasympathetic response telling you body it is okay to go into rest and digest. Moving into rest and digest helps to lower your cortisol levels. Cortisol is a nasty little brain chemical that without an actual bear chasing you, too much in your system can cause issues such as an increase in inflammation, poor digestion, and my personal favorite, sleep issues, including restless legs. If we can lower our stress response, sleep improves, allowing for a deeper, more restful sleep and a return to a natural circadian rhythm.
Improved blood flow and muscle health. Grounding improves circulation and oxygen delivery. Reduced muscle stiffness and pain. Many people do report a reduction in chronic pain as well as better immune system health and faster injury recovery Mental and emotional help too!Reduced anxiety, the sensory experience helps to calm a busy and chaotic mind. Overall improved mood improving your sense of calm, contentment and emotional stability.
The sensory experience of bare feet on the ground helps to keep you aware of the earth creating a link between the mind and body that helps to keep you in the present moment and allows you to keep your attention on your body keeping you regulated, improving focus and clarity and overall less reactive. For some, like my husband, walking barefoot is difficult and a lifetime of being in socks and shoes has left his feet very sensitive. The solution is simple, grounding isn’t only about your feet touching the ground but also your hands. Planting, weeding and yard work can also be grounding as your hands make the connection with the plants and the ground too.
For anyone with an overactive nervous system I'll find that walking barefoot and spending time outside in the garden helps with trauma recovery, dissociation, and or overwhelm. It can stimulate the vagus nerve to reset. It helps the brain to feel connected to the earth and natureObviously grounding and spending time outdoors isn’t a cure all but I love how it can assist with other therapies and just help overall to improve our mental and physical health. Natural soil, grass, or sand works best. Weather permitting, we should try to spend 10-30 minutes everyday outside in the garden barefoot to not only benefit from the beautiful garden but also the potential of improved health and well being. Grounding is free, many report experiencing benefits there is a good chance you will see benefits spending time grounding and you will have fresh flowers and/or vegetables too! BONUS!
So when winter finally breaks and the snow starts to melt and you see that little path of earth appear, free those tootsies and go “touch grass”.
A very informative documentary is online on YouTube called earthing and I highly recommend giving it a watch. Amazingly the creator of the film is in the comments saying he is in his 60s and still feels like he is in his 20s! If you are interested check out the link below.
Grounding - The Grounded Documentary Film about "Earthing"
Written By Windermere Garden Centre Employee Elaine K
