Get Grounded: A Simple Mindfulness Technique for Reducing Stress and Anxiety this Summer
Life can feel like a whirlwind at times. Between work, family, and all our other commitments, there are days when we can feel frazzled and anxious. The summer months in particular can be some of the most overwhelming – when schedules become jam-packed with activities, trips, kids’ camps and that never-ending summer fun checklist.
That’s why grounding meditation techniques like earthing can be so helpful – they provide a simple way to reduce stress by connecting your mind and body to the calming energy of nature.
What is Grounding? The Stress-Relieving Benefits
At its core, grounding involves becoming present and aware of the direct physical contact between your body and the earth. Whether you’re standing barefoot on grass, sitting with your feet on soil or sand, or holding a natural grounding object like a rock or crystal, it helps us to tune into those sensations where you’re literally touching the earth.
From there, you can visualize roots or cords extending from your body down into the ground, even into the core of the earth, almost like plugging yourself into an electrical socket to receive that grounding current. Take some deep, calming breaths and imagine any excess stress, anger or anxiety flowing out of you through those roots and into the earth.
The benefits of grounding are where it really gets good. Studies show this mindfulness practice can:
Reduce inflammation and physical pain
Rebalance your body’s stress patterns
Improve sleep quality and immune function
Create an overall sense of well-being
In other words – major anxiety-reducing, mood-boosting perks.
Simple Grounding Techniques
Now for the best part – grounding is free, simple and you can do it just about anywhere. Even keeping a potted plant or small sandbox on your desk can provide a tool to ground yourself when things get stressful.
Here are some easy grounding techniques you can use:
Carry a small crystal or polished rock to hold and connect with when needing to feel centered
Go outdoors and dig your bare feet into grass, dirt or sand while taking deep breaths to pull in the earth elements
Try a guided grounding meditation or visualization when you first wake up, during an afternoon slump or during stressful moments
Do grounding activities like gardening, yard work, going for nature walks, or just sitting on your patio
Press your hands or feet to the earth for 5-10 minutes before bed
Pause and get quiet for just a moment, take deep breaths and imagine the earth holding you and letting go of all the responsibilities for the moment
Draw a grounding bath with sea salt and any other earth elements that feel good and focus on the sensations where your body meets the water
The key is to get creative and find grounding practices that work for your lifestyle and in the moment.
I personally love walking barefoot on the grass, visualizing roots extending from my feet into the cool, grounding earth as I breathe deeply.
The Science Behind Grounding’s Stress Relief
Don’t just take it from me – research backs up the stress-relieving and wellness benefits of this earthing concept. In my personal practice with Reiki clients and coaching clients I’ve witnessed how effective grounding is to come back to our center. Beyond that, research studies have found that grounding can help regulate your body’s circadian rhythms, rebalance your body’s natural response to stress, and improve sleep quality by syncing you with the earth’s natural cycles.
Studies have shown that participants consistently left grounding sessions reporting feelings of calmness, revitalization and overall well-being. On top of the self-reported benefits, their bodies showed reduced markers of stress and anxiety too.
When your schedule is overloaded and the heat starts draining your energy, prioritize grounding as part of your self-care routine.
So this summer, when those schedules are overloaded and the heat starts draining your energy, make sure to prioritize grounding as part of your self-care routine. It’s one of the easiest, most accessible ways to slow down, find your center, reduce anxiety and stress by tapping into the rejuvenating power of nature.
