Feeling tired or sore? How about achy, unmotivated, or irritated? A simple, natural, and effective remedy to discharge symptoms of burnout and replenish your energy reservoir is to practice earthing. 

Earthing describes the act of making direct skin contact with the earth to sync with the rhythms of nature, heal, and stay well. Sometimes referred to as grounding, earthing harkens to age-old practices of touching elements in nature to restore wellness and activate healing. From ancient water purification and fire walk traditions to modern infrared saunas, hot yoga, and extreme cold plunging, humans continue to interact with nature and its elements to initiate wholeness. Studies show getting your hands a little dirty or walking barefoot may reduce inflammation, stress, and pain. Earthing may also improve sleep, blood flow, and mood.

It wasn’t long ago when our ancestors lived more deeply in nature and felt a constant sense of being connected to the environment by sitting, sleeping, and walking directly on the earth. Earthing provides a gentle acknowledgment and appreciation that everything we eat, drink, and breathe comes from the earth. And by getting back to the basics of acknowledging and honoring what supports us—like being in nature, attuning to our natural, authentic essence, and attempting to harmonize with all our relations—is incredibly nourishing.

It’s been said that “simple is sacred.” We don’t need the next best gadget, health supplement, or miracle therapy to return to our natural state of being. Instead, consider taking a few moments to unplug from digital devices, consciously disconnect from your clients’ energy, and step away from the incessant ticking of the clock. There’s an exchange of energy between you and the earth when you touch flowers and soil, hold a stone or leaves, or walk barefoot in a forest, across a lawn, and along a beach. So, next time you’re outside, take off your shoes and socks, put your feet on the ground, and let the earth recharge and restore you. 

Resources 

EarthFX, Inc. “What Is Earthing?” www.earthing.com/pages/what-is-earthing.

Menigoz, W. et al. “Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine Strategies Should Include Earthing (Grounding): Review of Research Evidence and Clinical Observations.” Explore 16, no. 3 (May-June 2020): 152–160. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31831261/.

Ober, C., S. T. Sinatra, and M. Zucker. Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever! Basic Health Publications Inc., 2010.