It happened by accident. I was at an entrepreneur bootcamp, one of those fast-paced and mind-stretching experiences where every day is filled with lessons on building and scaling ventures. Evenings were our breather; some would hit the gym, others chatted in groups or jogged around the open space at the camp just to unwind.
One such evenings, amid conversation and laughter, I casually slipped out of my Crocs and stepped barefoot onto the grass. The sensation was immediate, oddly calming and strangely familiar. For a moment, everything slowed down. I couldn’t explain what I felt, but it was peaceful grounding. I didn’t know it had a name.
In the days that followed, I found myself looking forward to those evening barefoot walks. I’d plug in my headphones, stroll silently on the well trimmed lawn and let the stress of the day melt away. Sometimes I’d walk until darkness fell. It brought back memories of childhood running barefoot across fields, carefree and happy. Back then, it was play. Now in adulthood I realize it’s therapy I didn’t know I needed.
Only recently did I learn the practice is called Grounding or Earthing, and to my surprise it’s backed by science.
So What Exactly Is Grounding?
Grounding, also known as Earthing is the simple act of making direct physical contact with the Earth’s surface. It can be walking barefoot on grass, soil, sand or natural water bodies. This contact allows the body to absorb the Earth’s natural electric charge which helps balance the body’s electrical systems, reduce inflammation, regulate stress and restore balance to the nervous system. How amazing is that?
In the rural areas every day activity will involve grounding even unconsciously. Whereas in the urban areas, we are constantly surrounded by concrete, screens and fumes. The much needed grounding therefore has to be very intentional.
How Urban Dwellers Can Ground.
That weekend out of the city or working in your farm that you sometimes detest will lead to at least one or more forms of grounding. Well, you don’t need a forest retreat to ground. Even in a busy city, it’s possible:
🌿 1. Barefoot Walks on Grass or Soil.
It’s the most direct method. Walk barefoot in parks or gardens and let your skin absorb the Earth’s natural charge. 20 minutes is enough.
🧘🏽♀️ 2. Sitting or Lying on the Ground
Relaxing directly on the earth, grass, sand or soil while meditating helps regulate your nervous system and promotes calmness. The city parks will do.
🪴 3. Gardening with Bare Hands/ Touching Soil.
Tending to plants or soil with your bare hands without gloves not only grounds you physically but also nurtures mindfulness and reduces cortisol levels. You can also rest your hands in the soil.
🧺 4. Outdoor Picnics or Exercises/Yoga.
Spread a thin natural-fiber mat like cotton or none at all and enjoy yoga or meditation with skin contact to the earth.
💧 5. Immersion in Natural Water
Swimming in natural bodies of water like lakes, rivers or the ocean grounds you while also calming your entire system. If you can’t swim just wade, stand or sit in the water. No wonder the seaside holidays are so relaxing.
☀️ 6. Touching Trees or Rocks
Sit under a tree and touch the bark, lean on it or hug a tree(I know it sounds silly 😂).
Brief but effective, leaning on or touching large rocks or even concrete in natural settings can help you ground too. Remove shoes when stepping on natural stone or unsealed concrete.
⚡ 7. Using Grounding Mats or Sheets
When access to nature is very limited, use grounding mats, sheets or foot pads to simulate the Earth’s electrical charge indoors.
It’s not about doing it perfectly. It’s about making space to reconnect with the Earth, even briefly.
Why Grounding Really Matters in City Living
Most of us spend our days indoors, in sandals, sneakers or office shoes pacing on tiled floors, concrete pavements or driving from place to place.
We get separated from the Earth, the very element that regulates our internal systems. This disconnect can quietly add to chronic stress, mental fatigue and poor sleep that many urban dwellers experience. Grounding; walking barefoot on natural surfaces is a simple and free way to reset. Even a few minutes on grass or soil can help restore balance in this fast-paced world.
It’s not about a trend, it’s about making space, even in our city life to touch base literally with the ground beneath us. It’s deeply restorative.
Proven Benefits of Grounding
- Reduce chronic inflammation
- Lower cortisol (stress hormone)
- Improve sleep and energy levels
- Support mental clarity and emotional stability
Final Thoughts
That accidental step onto the grass turned into a quiet daily ritual that changed how I relate to my body and my mind. In a world of constant stimulation and pressure, grounding offers a simple yet powerful pause, that I like to call rest.
It reminds me that healing doesn’t always need modern machines or complexity. Sometimes, it’s just about standing barefoot on the Earth and letting it hold you.
