Health and fitness has come a long way, with today’s practices being rounded and holistic, and focusing on longevity. The healthiest routine for you is one that you can keep up and one you enjoy both mentally and physically.
Grounding, or earthing, falls within the wellness category but is it actually beneficial? And are claims that it is good for the soul backed up by research? Here we’ll discuss what barefoot grounding is and how it can improve your health and recovery.
What is barefoot grounding?
The terms grounding and earthing are used interchangeably but mean the same thing. Essentially, it is the act of walking or standing barefoot on various types of natural material, such as grass, stone, sand, or dirt.
If you’ve ever walked around the garden without your shoes or felt the sand between your toes on the beach, you’ll understand the feeling.
How do you get started with grounding?
The great thing is that almost everyone can get involved with grounding and it is very easy to do. Simply take off your shoes and socks or put on a pair of suitable barefoot shoes, and sit or stand outside, with the soles of your feet on the ground.
Experienced grounding experts suggest this should take place for at least 20 minutes each day but tailor this to suit you. Remember, the best routines are those that you can keep up with. Find time that works for you and connect with the nearest bit of nature you can, tapping into the power of earthing.
What are the scientific benefits?
Healthcare professionals claim that grounding can help manage stress levels, create a sense of calm, and improve creativity. We already know that just being in nature is great for our physical health, reducing anxiety and lowering heart rate.
The science behind this explains that exposing our feet to the ground allows us to access the Earth’s surface electrons, which then leads to important physiological changes. Daily grounding is said to support the central nervous system, reducing pain, improving sleep, and decreasing stress.
It can also help to support recovery and reduce the time taken to fully recover. Not bad for just a couple minutes of barefoot activity each day!
How to incorporate barefoot grounding into a healthy lifestyle?
There has been an increase in the number of individuals including grounding into their healthy lifestyle, which also includes training, sports performance, and recovery. Whilst barefoot grounding may not provide immediate results, the benefits are meant to be part of a more holistic way of living.
You could incorporate barefoot grounding after a training session for a few minutes, which will allow you to fit in more recovery work and will in turn benefit your training. Since grounding has been linked to improved wound healing and less time in hospital, it’s definitely worth a shot!
