As Ferris Bueller stated in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – “Let’s face it…life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.”
If the technological trend of the last two decades is an indicator, things will only speed up.
With the fast pace of society, it’s easy to get lost in the static, resulting in anxiety, unease, and depression. Self care and paying closer attention to our mental health has become a common theme in recent years. It is essential to know when it’s time to un-plug and tune out technology , and get back in touch with nature.
Earthing, or grounding, helps us do this, and many leading psychologists back this sentiment. Grounding can be as simple as standing barefoot in the grass, lake, ocean or stream, or touching a tree to replenish necessary electrons to balance and normalize our systems.
Now, you may be thinking, “Really? How is grounding going to help me manage my mental health?” Justifiable concern; however, ample scientific and medical evidence and psychologists suggest that earthing is very real and beneficial.
According to this study, published by the Journal of Environmental and Public Health, earthing can promote improved mental health, restful sleep, lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), reductions in overall stress, and improve immune responses, among a litany of other health benefits.
Usually, when something sounds too good to be true, it is. Earthing is an exception to this rule and can be an easy way to find peace of mind and mitigate daily stress.
What Does Earthing Do for the Mind?
Dr. Arielle Schwartz, a licensed clinical psychologist, reports that grounding “is a key resource for trauma recovery and can help with emotional overwhelm.” So, what does this mean for you?
If you’re someone who has gone through traumatic events and is dealing with PTSD and intense emotions, grounding may be a free and natural way to get in touch with these feelings. By “tuning in” to these emotions, you can then begin to evaluate, allow yourself to feel, and begin to heal.
This is not a replacement for medical advice from your physician. Instead, you can incorporate grounding to compliment your established regimen or treatment plan .
Sound good? Here’s how it works.
Generally, the science behind earthing is found quite literally on the earth. According to this medically-reviewed article from Healthline, electrical charges from the earth may have the same impact on the body as antioxidants would, suggesting that “natural defenses of the body can be restored.”
To coincide with this hypothesis, several studies were conducted (found in the above article) in which all participants were tested for certain variables before and after grounding. Post-grounding with test groups showed higher levels of blood viscosity (healthy blood flow), increased muscle recovery from fatigue, overall pain reduction, and mood improvement.
It is important to remember that mental health is tied to overall physical fitness, and earthing can benefit both.
The physical and mental benefits of earthing work together to promote general well-being. So, how can you get started?
How You Can Practice Earthing
Take a walk or sink your bare feet into the earth.
It is that easy. If you elect not to go barefoot, you can always try a grounding mat, grounding patches, or look into HARMONY783’s grounding socks and shoes for women and men.
With grounding equipment and footwear products, you can reconnect, get grounded, and reap the benefits of earthing. Consider any of the following, or come up with your ideas:
- Sit on a grounding mat by placing it over your office chair.
- Place a grounding mat under your desk, beneath your feet. Using a stand-up desk? The same rules apply!
- Use a grounding mat on top of your mattress to stay grounded while you sleep.
- Use grounding patches when applicable, like post-workout or in your favorite chair while you unwind for the day.
- Lace up your HARMONY783 grounding shoes or wear your grounding socks to keep grounded while on grounding surfaces.! There are styles for every lifestyle, as well as walkers and joggers.
- Go for a barefoot walk or take a swim! Freshwater swimming is an excellent way to cool off and stay grounded.
The possibilities for practicing earthing are plenty. Take your pick for whatever fits your wallet and lifestyle. In the long run, it may cost you more to not be grounded.
If you’d like some specific grounding practices, you can try some of the methods outlined in this article from Medical News Today. One of the methods in this article is directly from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which is designed to help those dealing with numerous kinds of trauma.
You can also use your five senses to remain “here and now.” These methods are especially beneficial to those dealing with PTSD. VeryWellMind outlines ways to use each sense to bring yourself back to the “here and now.”
How Long Does it Take to Get Grounded?
Generally, many professionals recommend 20-30 minutes per day to realize the full benefits of grounding. However, Psychology Today recognizes how busy life can be and suggests making the time, even 5 minutes, to get a barefoot stroll in daily.
There is no current evidence to suggest that you can “overdo” grounding. So, pick what’s most convenient for you. If you choose to sleep on a grounding mat, you should be getting the recommended 7.5-8 hours. If you’re taking walks, why not lace up your HARMONY783 Walkers or Joggers and go for a quick 5K or do a brisk mile or two at your local park or track.
It’s not so much the amount of time; but more about being consistent with your grounding practice.
If you’re “too busy,” that might be all the more reason to make time, learn some grounding techniques and see if you don’t feel more at ease.
It’s a fast-paced world out there, and it’s so easy to get lost in all the noise. Bringing earthing or grounding into your life is a way to turn the dial down and focus on you, even if just for a few moments per day.
Regardless of the science or the research, sometimes The Psychology of Extraordinary Beliefs is all that you need. If it works for you and you believe in it, that is what matters the most.
