Episode 96 - Grounding

Grounding (also called earthing in some contexts) refers to practices that help you reconnect physically, mentally, or emotionally to the present moment and the natural world. It is often used in mental health, spiritual wellness, and physical health practices. Here's a breakdown of what grounding is and why it’s important:

1. Psychological/Mental Health Grounding

Definition: Grounding techniques help bring your awareness back to the present, especially during stress, anxiety, trauma, or dissociation.

Examples of grounding techniques:

• 5-4-3-2-1 method (identify 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, etc.)
• Deep breathing
• Holding something cold or textured
• Saying your name, date, and location aloud

Why it’s important:

• Reduces anxiety and panic
• Helps manage PTSD flashbacks
• Re-establishes a sense of safety and control
• Prevents spiraling into overwhelming thoughts or emotions

2. Physical/Energetic Grounding (Earthing)

Definition: In holistic and integrative wellness, grounding also refers to direct physical contact with the Earth, such as walking barefoot on grass or soil.

Common practices:

• Walking barefoot on natural surfaces
• Lying on the ground
• Gardening or swimming in natural water
• Using grounding mats indoors

Why it’s important (according to proponents):

• May reduce inflammation and improve sleep
• Balances the body’s electrical charge (based on the idea of free electrons from the Earth)
• Calms the nervous system and supports circadian rhythms
• Improves mood and reduces stress

Note: Scientific research is still developing in this area. Some small studies suggest benefits, but more large-scale evidence is needed.

3. Spiritual/Emotional Grounding

Definition: Being "grounded" spiritually means feeling centered, stable, and connected—to oneself, the Earth, or a higher purpose.

Practices include:

• Meditation
• Prayer
• Yoga
• Spending time in nature

Why it’s important:

• Enhances emotional resilience
• Promotes clarity and purpose
• Helps maintain balance during life transitions or stress

 

Grounding products: 

Shoes

Sheets

Mats 

Nature

Companies:

• Grounding well
• The Grounding Co. 
• Earthing

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For more information about the hosts, please visit their websites and follow them on social media:

Dr. Glenda Shepard - Doctor of Nursing Practice/Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner/Certified Nutrition Coach/Certified Personal Trainer/Certified Intrinsic Coach

https://www.triumphantwomancoaching.com/

FB - https://www.facebook.com/glenda.shepard1

 

Robin McCoy - Certified McIntyre Seal Team Six Coach and John Maxwell Team Trainer/Speaker/Coach

https://www.thewellnessfactor.coach/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/RobinRMcCoy

FB - https://www.facebook.com/robin.mccoy1

 

Produced by KB Podcasts

Music from https://app.soundstripe.com/