Why is Grounding Important?

Today’s society is making it more and more difficult for people to remain mindful and grounded. The age of disconnecting from work once we leave the office is a thing of the past. Many of us are constantly connected, multitasking between work and home obligations and generally trying to survive each day. This lifestyle can eventually leave us stressed, overwhelmed, scatterbrained, and worn out—all classic signs of being ungrounded.

What does it mean to be grounded?

When you are grounded, you are present and centered within your body. You feel steady, balanced, and focused. You are fully aware of what’s happening around you and can calmly and mindfully respond to your environment. Being grounded feels like your feet are firmly planted on the ground, allowing for a sense of security and stability.

How can I tell if I’m not grounded?

Unfortunately, because of the nature of our society, many people are unaware that they are ungrounded. We are so busy “doing” that we forget to “be.” By becoming more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, we can start to notice their impact on our physical bodies. Below are a few symptoms of being ungrounded. Please contact your doctor if you are dealing with chronic difficulties in these areas in case they are signs of something else.

• You are having trouble sleeping/ you are restless.

• You are overly emotional, anxious, or irritable.

• You feel scattered

• You have difficulty concentrating.

• You frequently forget things.

• You feel spacey.

How can I become more grounded?

Grounding yourself can take as little as a few minutes or as long as an hour each day. It's up to you! Incorporating regular practice into your daily routine can help prevent some of the symptoms mentioned above or at least lessen them. Below are a few recommendations.

1. Get some exercise: Physical activity is one of the best ways to ground yourself. It allows you to focus more on the physical body and releases chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins lessen your perception of pain and trigger positive emotions.

2. Take a walk outside: Walking outside can help us feel more connected to nature and our surroundings. Put the phone on silent and take a walk while noticing your environment. Pay attention to the sounds, the wind, the trees, the plants, and the animals.

3. Stand barefoot outside: Feeling the grass/soil/sand beneath your feet can leave you feeling more connected to the earth.

4. Work in the garden: Similar to standing outside barefoot, getting your hands in the dirt can help with feeling more connected to nature.

5. Meditate: Tune into the breath, feel your feet on the ground, imagine tree roots growing out of your feet, or do all three! Click here for my free grounding meditation.

6. Place a crystal in your pocket: Red or brown-colored crystals are typically associated with the root chakra and have an excellent grounding vibration. Examples of crystals known to assist with grounding are red jasper, carnelian, bloodstone, hematite, and black tourmaline.

For other mindful practices, I recommend checking out the book, Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn.