Get Grounded: Health benefits of grounding or earthing

Let's face it, us humans spend way too much time stuck indoors these days. Whether it's the rain hammering down or the telly beckoning, we often forget the simple pleasure of feeling the earth beneath our feet. But what if I told you there was a whole movement dedicated to just that, and it comes with a surprising amount of health benefits? Buckle up, because we're diving into the wonderful world of earthing, also known as grounding.

So, what exactly is grounding? It's the practice of connecting your bare skin directly with the Earth's surface. Think walking barefoot on grass, sand, or even soil. Basically, any natural conductive surface counts. Now, you might be wondering why on earth (pun intended) anyone would do this. Well, turns out there's a whole host of potential benefits to this simple act of reconnection.

Proponents of grounding believe it helps to reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to a whole bunch of nasties, from chronic pain to fatigue. It's also thought to improve sleep quality – perfect for those nights spent tossing and turning. Plus, there are claims that grounding can boost your mood, ease stress, and even help your body heal faster. Sounds pretty good, right?

But how often should you be giving this earthing malarkey a go? The beauty of it is, there's no set amount of time. Even a quick five minutes of barefoot time in the garden can give you a little grounding boost.

If you can, try to make it a daily habit, whether it's a morning walk on the beach or an afternoon stroll in the park. The more you connect with the earth, the better!

Now, I know what you're thinking – isn't walking around barefoot a bit unhygienic? Well, of course it's best to stick to clean, natural surfaces. Avoid areas with broken glass or potential hazards, and give your feet a good wash after your grounding session.

Here's the thing: we're all about reconnecting with nature here. Earthing is a simple, free way to feel more grounded, literally and metaphorically. So, next time you're feeling stressed, sluggish, or simply yearn for a breath of fresh air, why not kick off your shoes and feel the earth beneath your toes? You might just be surprised by the difference it makes. Let me know in the comments if you have done or regularly do grounding? Or if you plan to start doing it at some point.