Growing up in the sunny Florida, I was always barefoot. Whether one day on the beach with my family, running through the football fields on the campus or simply exploring the backyard, I found infinite opportunities for dirty feet and scraped fingers. Being without shoes felt natural: it was a way of life.
However, much changed when I come to Texas for the university. I found myself in the Austin concrete jungle with little time to explore outside the campus. I remember vividly how well I felt kicking my boots and walking barefoot through my bedroom. At that time, I did not realize that there was a scientific reason why I longed to be barefoot. Now I know: it’s called grounding.
What is ground connection?
Also known axis GroundingGrounding is the practice of putting your body in direct contact with the earth, either through the ground, sand, water or grass. According to the welfare expert Dr. John Brifffa, the earth carries a subtle electric charge, and when we touch it, Electron can flow in our bodies. These vowels neutralize free radicals: artistic molecules, our metabolism believes that, although useful in healing and immunity, it can cause inflammation, chronic pain and aging when they accumulate in excess.
Yes, food antioxidants such as berries, green leafy vegetables and vitamins A, C and E help. But he also does simply walking barefoot outside.
After cold winters and even hotter summers, I decided to connect with this instinct. I dibed my shoes, hugged the sun and passed a week to ground. This is what I discovered.
Relieve tension at work
This was the greatest and most unexpected benefit. For two months before my grounding experiment, I had been fighting the pain of the jaw that was lit every time I sat at work. My daily routine looked like this: walking in my apartment, making coffee, opening my laptop and boom – pain.
Then came to the ground. After spending a bare week at home, in the Yoga study and even around the campus, my jaw pain missing. I saved money and earned a new stress relief: walking barefoot on Earth.
Find more reasons to be outside
Let’s be honest: we could all use a little more vitamin D. The ground connection cools a new reason to go outdoors daily. I became more intentional: run with my dog, make a picnic with friends or place my yoga mat in the lush grass.
I also noticed that the moments of thesis that happen beautiful: I began to disconnect from my phone and re -connect with myself. No displacement, without notifications – – Friend.
Manifesting a carefree spirit
Make up with multiple jobs, the school and always meet new people have me in Go-Go-Go mode most of the days. So letting my guard go down, even just barefoot, he felt rebellious in the best way. Duration Zoom calls and outdoor classes (shouts those incredible UT teachers that allow us to obtain a bit of vitamin D), I let me be informal and comfortable.
Surprisingly, others were infected. Going inhaling made people feel more around me. He reminded me that I don’t have to be polished all the time: the grounded bee (literally and emotionally) can be much more powerful.
Creating your own grounding plan
Then you are curious about the ground connection, what now? Like any habit, ground connection is more powerful when it is part of its regular routine. Here we show you how to create a plan that fits your lifestyle.
1. Start with little and do it daily
You don’t have to review your life. Start with only 5 to 10 minutes of barefoot time. Try to leave in the morning while drinking your coffee, walking barefoot at your break to lunch or relax on the grass after class or work.
The ground connection is not only barefoot, it is also what you are barefoot. From the majority to the least effective, the final longevity recommends land on the following surfaces.
- Natural water bodies (such as ocean, lakes and streams)
- Mud, wet soil or wet grass
- Dry floor and grass
- Arena act
- Dry sand
- Concrete or brick or unalsoery brick with a water -based sealant that does not have a plastic layer underneath.
- Gravel or rocks (who touch the earth)
- Most living trees and living plants.
In addition, they avoid ground connection on surfaces such as asphalt, vinyl, cut wood or sealed chemical. Wet surfaces are also more likely to provide greater benefit than dry surfaces when they connect to ground.
Advice: Combine on land with an existing meditation in the form of a habit, daily or phone free time to help you stay.
2. Identify your reference grounding points
Think of two or three accessible outdoor places that enjoy: a quiet park, a grass patch on the campus, a path near your neighborhood or even your rear patio. Keep a mental list of friendly places for ground connection so you are not fighting when you need a restart.
Premium: If you are in a city, look for parks for dogs, community gardens or outdoor yoga classes. These welcome spaces barefoot moments and encourage connection with others as well.
3. Monitoring how you feel
Keep a simple grounding journal or use the Notes application on your phone. Write down how you feel before and after the ground: physically, emotionally and mentally. Approximately time, you will notice patterns, maybe sleep better, feel less stressed or have fewer headaches.
Immediate: “Today I based on ___ and then I felt ___”.
As your diet changes with the stations, you can also your base plan. In summer, it may seem walking on the beach or picnics in the park. In winter, try inner grounding techniques (below) or find patches with sunlight for short outdoor sessions.
Resource: The Grounding Institute offers ideas for basic practices for all climate and benefits supported by research.
This publication lasted on May 22, 2025 to include new ideas.
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