Mindfully Written

Amber Erickson: Denver Content Marketing Strategist & Freelance Health and Lifestyle Writer

Remove this one simple thing for better sleep and improved health

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nature photo - earthingThe idea of improving health is on the minds of many – we’re bombarded with magazines, tv shows, infomercials, websites, all telling us how to lose weight fast, detox or get flat abs (yes, fast). The health and wellness industry is huge. We spent billions of dollars every year on health products and services without knowing if they will work. We live in a stress-obsessed, fast-paced world and use that same mentality of immediate gratification and quick fixes to improve our health (that our lifestyle is contributing to). It’s ironic, but I get it. We all get it, but what if there was an easier way. By easier, I mean less products, less fancy stuff, less cost. It’s not about quick fixes, it’s about lifestyle changes that have a slow, but profound effect. One simple practice that could improve your health, help you get better sleep and improved immunity is earthing (aka grounding). All you have to do is remove your shoes.

What is Earthing?

Earthing is the process of taking off your shoes and connecting with the Earth below you. It doesn’t have to be a strenuous hike or anything of the sort, just letting your bare feet rest on the Earth is all you need to do. It also counts as Earthing to sit or lie on the ground (grass or dirt). The goal is for your body to be as close to the natural elements as possible.

The theory behind earthing is that Earthling allows for the transfer of electrons between us and the Earth. According to Dr. Weil (a physician with an integrative focus), some small studies show that grounding can improve health, from better sleep to less pain. The thought is that the electron transfer helps to fight free radicals in our body (much like antioxidants do), leading to less illness and inflammation. How, why and to what extent is completely unknown (scientifically anyway). For those who feel a deep spiritual or personal connection with the natural world, it makes perfect sense.

All you Have to Do is Stand There

Just like all options in healthcare (mainstream or alternative), grounding isn’t for everyone. Skeptics and naysayers need not try. Much of what happens in our lives is a product of our own thoughts and manifestations. If you repeatedly tell yourself it won’t work, it won’t and you might as well save yourself some time. And that’s ok. Not all techniques make sense to everyone.

If you’re intrigued or part of it makes sense to you, give it a try. The beauty of holistic medicine is that side effects rarely exist. There is no downsides to Earthing. Either it’ll help or it’ll do nothing, I can’t say for sure which it’ll be for you but I think it’s worth trying. And give it some time to feel any effects.

Next time you have a couple minutes, go outside. Sit with your feet in the grass while you have a meal or read a book. Do gardening chores barefoot, kneel in the dirt and become connected to your bounty. Touch trees as you walk by them. Sit out in the lawn or on a rock and just look around. Play yard games barefoot. And now that summer is winding down, make an effort to get your feet onto the Earth whenever possible.

To get maximum benefit, make your grounding or Earthing time deliberate. Go out with the objective of connecting with the Earth. Sit or stand where it’s quiet and peaceful. Feel the grass or dirt on your feet. Breathe consciously. Possibly even close your eyes and take it all in. And if it pleases you, lie down feeling the grass on your back and the sunshine on your face. Stay there as long as you’d like.

This isn’t like a pill, where you will notice strong and sudden effects. It could take time, or you could feel something with just one time. You might feel more relaxed, less anxious, happier or calm. If one free and easy technique can do that, it’s worth a try!

Get outside, take your shoes off and practice Earthing. Post your reactions in the comments – I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Why We Need to Spend Time Outdoors

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I remember growing up in small-town central Minnesota. I remember sitting on the edge of the cement from my parents’ welding shop. I would make mudpies. I remember walking through the shop, and everywhere for that matter, with bare feet (this is where my husband says, “you don’t have bear feet, you have human feet”). Anyway, we were outside all the time and I think I am telling a story many are familiar with, especially if you grew up in rural areas.

Fast forward to nowadays, we actually have a term to describe children’s lack of access to nature. Richard Louv, in his book, Last Child of the Woods, discussed this phenomenon and coined the term “Nature Deficit Disorder.” I admit, it sounds a little silly, like a made-up disease or something, but if you look around, it doesn’t seem so strange, especially in urban areas. My patio overlooks a parking lot and large intersection. I work in my home office – some days I don’t leave the house (sad, I know). When I do leave, I’m often running errands, driving, parking, shopping – all manmade. Some days I feel like I have nature deficit disorder and I love nature. I did my master’s thesis on the effects of spending time in nature – it’s kind of a big deal to me. My husband is a tree guy, he works in plant/tree health care and loves insects. I like weeds and using plants for medicinal purposes. Between the two of us, there is a lot of talk about natural things, but it still often feels just out of reach. I dream of living quietly in the mountains, with a babbling brook running through, wildlife, peace and serenity.

Sometimes I wonder if I yearn for this quiet simplicity because I grew up that way, or because it’s something deeper. I wonder if people who grew up in urban areas have a similar sense, or if it’s too outside of their experience to even know if they want it. And then there are the kids, who are young and impressionable. Parents have the opportunity to teach about the environment, to send their kids outside to play, to teach them outdoor activities or to send them to camp. Research has shown (time and time again) that spending time in unstructured play outdoors leads to less depression, increased creativity, better problem solving skills, better behaviors in school, etc.

Time for a shameless plug…I am working with an organization called Sajai Foundation, based in Minnesota. Sajai’s mission is to teach kids about healthy living (fighting obesity), exercise and connecting with nature (fighting nature deficit disorder). They have an event on September 29, 2012, at North Mississippi Regional Park. It’s called the Amazing Walk and rather than being a race, it’s a family-friendly event with challenge stations to teach kids about exercise and nature. Find out more here!