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Earthing may not seem that novel or unique considering it’s just a new way of saying, “Touch grass.”
The idea, also sometimes called “grounding,” suggests that putting your skin directly on earth can feel restorative, positively affecting immune responses, inflammation and wound healing. Iman Majd, MD, an Integrative Medicine specialist, family medicine doctor and the director of the UW Medicine Osher Center for Integrative Health, says that while research is growing in the area, many people say they find noticeable health benefits from doing things like walking barefoot, lying on the ground, gardening or, yes, touching grass.
4 ways to connect with the earth
Some studies claim that consistent, direct contact with earth can reduce levels of inflammation, improve sleep quality and act as a mood booster.
While it’s known that the simple act of being outside is good for your health, there is not a lot of research about the benefits of directly touching the ground.
Regardless of the lack of earthing-specific science, meditation, which is often paired with an earthing practice, is known to strengthen memory, attention and self-awareness. Doing this in nature? Even better.
“These practices, like focusing on each step you’re taking or connecting with the energy of the nature around you, can help you feel grounded,” Majd says.
So, if you’re looking for a way to gain mental clarity and see if earthing helps with your sleep or makes your body feel better, Majd suggests these four strategies to get started.
Walk barefoot
This one’s pretty simple: Take off your shoes and stroll through any natural surface. This could be grass, but it could also be sand, soil or moss — whatever feels good. Pay attention to the feelings and sensations that come up as you walk, such as how the earth feels on your feet or what you notice in your body.
This type of mindfulness practice can lower cortisol levels, which is associated with stress reduction.
Garden
Gardening can be a great way to dirty your hands and clear your mind. If you live in a city like Seattle, you may not have the space for the full gardening experience, but your neighborhood might have a community garden, or P-patch, that you can tend.
As you garden, pair your breath with your movements, such as breathing in and out as you spread soil or focusing on the texture of the plants or foods you’re touching.
Forest bathe
The key to forest bathing, aka completely immersing yourself in nature, is to go slow and sit in silence. If you’re here in the Pacific Northwest, you don’t have to go far to find a quiet forest or gentle alpine lake, but even a calm urban trail can do the trick.
With this practice, focus on the things you can hear, even if you can’t see them — like the bird sounds or the rustle of the trees. Add some breathwork here by pairing your breath with your steps (remember, go slow).
“Spending time in nature can help encourage mindfulness,” says Majd. “This helps bring you into the current moment and away from any distressing thoughts.”
Meditate at sunrise (or sunset)
If you’re an early bird, this one’s for you. Stand barefoot, lie on the ground or sit crisscross — whatever you like best — and face the sun’s direction.
Notice how the sun’s warmth feels (is it getting warmer through the sunrise or colder with the sunset?), the colors of the sky and the connection you feel to your surroundings. If you’re just starting your day, it’s a great time to set some intentions, and if you’re heading in for the evening, reflect on how your body feels after a long day.
Other ways to stay grounded
If you’re not quite at the toes-in-the-grass or hands-in-the-dirt level of earth connection yet, don’t worry — practicing mindfulness or meditating wherever you feel most comfortable is a great start. If you can, try opening a window (or maybe sitting on a blanket outside) to start getting those outside benefits without needing to take off your shoes.
