It’s a phrase that can trigger a teenager’s defense mechanism faster than you can say, “It’s not my fault.” While curfew-violating youngsters may understand “You’re grounded,” as a kind of house arrest, for pilots it could be a consequence of bad weather, mechanical difficulties or an FAA infraction that clips their wings. Then again, being told “you’re grounded,” might be a testament to your sensible, centered and down-to-earth approach to life. And that’s a good thing.
When we use the term “grounded” on this site, we’re talking about being down-to-earth, but it’s less about attitude than energy. Now that we’ve covered the semantics, we’ll move on to the science and history behind being grounded.
The earth is a natural source of energy and when your bare feet connect to the ground you efficiently absorb nature’s free electrons. It’s one reason it feels so good to walk on grass or sand in your bare feet. That’s what being grounded—or earthing as it’s sometimes called—is all about.
For most of humankind, people have walked, slept and sat on the ground with nothing more than an animal skin as a barrier to the earth’s energy, allowing their bodies to absorb the earth’s energy. As we evolved, working and sleeping indoors, we wore shoes made of leather, a conductive material, which still allowed us to absorb nature’s electrons. But in the past few decades we’ve insulated our bodies from the earth’s energy by wearing synthetic-soled shoes.
Research indicates that the earth’s electrons have an antioxidant effect, which can help neutralize free radicals, protecting the body against inflammation and it’s many health consequences (chronic inflammation has been implicated in diabetes, depression, heart disease, allergies, autoimmune disorders, Alzheimer’s and many other ailments).
Research indicates that earthing or being ground can:
- Improve energy
- Enhance recover
- Improve sleep
- Reduce stress
- And restore normal biological rhythms
So do yourself a favor, take off your shoes and socks, head outdoors, reconnect to the earth and get your electrons in balance. Do it for your mood, your health, your quality of life. Get a charge out of earth, get grounded.
