How Grounding Techniques Can Help Your Overall Health

By Stepy Kamei

You probably know how important it is to work on improving your physical health on a daily basis. You can do this by eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep each night, to name the basic yet important steps to physical self-care. However, many of us end up overlooking our mental well-being in the process, which can ultimately be detrimental to our physical wellness as well. When it comes down to it, taking care of your mental health is a key element in making sure your entire well-being is in tip-top shape.

The good news is that there are some helpful techniques available to you in order to keep your mental wellness in check. So, do yourself a favor and keep on reading to learn about the benefits of one such technique, which is known as grounding.

What is Grounding?

Simply put, grounding techniques are therapeutic methods of reducing levels of stress and anxiety while promoting a sense of calm, mindfulness, and awareness of your surroundings. Grounding is also known in some circles as "earthing."

Grounding can be incredibly beneficial for those of us who struggle with intense feelings of anxiety or stress. This is because, at its core, grounding techniques aim to remind a person to stay in the present moment rather than getting swept up in stressful thoughts, especially ones relating to the past or the future, which are ultimately fruitless and unproductive and only serve to produce even more stress.

How to Practice Grounding Techniques

The good news is that it's easy to do some grounding techniques wherever you are. For instance, simply taking a few minutes to sit with both of your feet planted firmly on the ground can be a good start to grounding. Allowing yourself to really feel your body connect with the ground below you can be very calming, as it keeps you literally rooted in the present moment, regardless of any stress you may be experiencing. You can take this approach a step further by going outside, removing your shoes, and walking with bare feet on grass to further enhance the sensations you notice.

If you're on the move, or unable to ground yourself by your feet, you can choose a small totem to carry with you instead. A totem that's textured and weighted is especially helpful when it comes to grounding. Touching or rubbing this item can also keep you locked in the present moment, and improve your sense of calm and awareness of your surroundings.

When you successfully practice grounding techniques, you'll feel more alert yet calm, and less burdened by troublesome thoughts or upsetting memories.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Gahanna, Ohio.