It’s pretty amazing how much nature offers us when it comes to healing and feeling better — whether that’s through natural remedies, time spent outside, or even something as simple as letting your bare feet touch the earth. This is known as grounding or earthing, and while it may seem too simple to make a difference, there’s actually solid science behind it.
I’ll be honest, I’ve only done it a few times on purpose, and you definitely won’t catch me barefoot outside in winter! But after digging into the research, I’ve realised just how powerful grounding can be — especially for mental health. From reducing stress to helping with sleep and mood, the effects are pretty impressive.
And the best part? You don’t even have to go outside if the weather’s bad — there are grounding mats and other tools you can use indoors (though not all of them are legit, so it’s worth being careful — more on that later).
If you’ve been feeling anxious, low, overwhelmed, or just mentally off, this post is for you. Keep reading — you might be surprised at what something so simple can do for your mind.
So, What Actually Is Grounding (and How Does It Work)?
In case you didn’t know, the Earth we live on has a natural electric charge. It’s full of tiny particles called electrons. These electrons are negatively charged and can be found all over the Earth’s surface — in soil, grass, sand, and even water.
When we walk barefoot on the ground (like on grass, dirt, or sand), we’re touching the Earth’s surface directly and absorbing some of these natural electrons. Our body is basically picking up a small electrical “charge” from the Earth — and that’s what we call grounding or earthing.
This connection has been shown to have real, positive effects on the body — including reducing pain, lowering inflammation, and improving sleep. It also supports our mental wellbeing, helping with things like stress, mood, and emotional balance (more on that shortly).
The trouble is, our modern lifestyle keeps us separated from the Earth. We spend most of our time indoors, wear shoes with plastic or rubber soles, and walk on concrete — all of which block this natural connection. That’s why grounding is something we have to do on purpose these days, whether that’s walking barefoot outside or using special grounding tools indoors.
Even though it seems simple, this direct contact with the Earth can support both physical and mental health in ways that are only just starting to be fully understood — but the research so far is really encouraging.
What Does Grounding Actually Do to the Body?
Studies have found that grounding can trigger a number of physiological changes — meaning it influences how different systems in your body function.
And these aren’t just tiny effects either. Grounding has been linked to reduced inflammation, better sleep, less pain, lower stress levels, and even a shift in your nervous system that helps you feel calmer and more balanced.
One review of grounding research looked at several studies and explained how reconnecting with the Earth’s electrons can help regulate things like cortisol (your stress hormone), improve heart rate variability (linked to stress and resilience), and even stabilise the electrical activity in your body.
Another study found that people who slept on grounding mats reported less pain, fewer sleep disturbances, and better overall wellbeing compared to those who weren’t grounded. Some even saw improvements in conditions like PMS, asthma, and high blood pressure.
One small pilot study showed that grounding can lead to noticeable changes in the body almost straight away. Within just a few minutes, participants experienced shifts in brain activity (EEG), reduced muscle tension, and improved blood flow — all signs that the body was moving into a calmer, more balanced state.
The reason grounding can have such a wide range of effects is because it works at a foundational level. By helping the body maintain its natural electrical balance, it supports many of the processes that keep us healthy — from inflammation control to sleep regulation and even immune response.
And all of this just by making contact with the Earth? Honestly, it’s kind of amazing.
Can Grounding Really Help Your Mental Health?
Now that you know how grounding affects the body, let’s talk about what it can do for your mental wellbeing.
If you’re stressed, anxious, feeling low or just mentally drained, grounding might be one of the simplest things you can do to feel better. And the best part? It’s completely natural — no fancy tools or complicated routines required.
There’s actually some fascinating research showing how grounding supports mental wellbeing. Here’s a closer look at what it can help with:
Stress and Anxiety
Grounding has been shown to help the body calm down — not just emotionally, but physically too.
In one pilot study on sleep, pain, and stress, participants who were grounded during sleep for eight weeks experienced a noticeable reduction in stress-related symptoms, including anxiety and irritability.
Their cortisol levels — the body’s main stress hormone — also shifted toward a healthier rhythm, especially at night, helping the body get back in sync with its natural 24-hour cycle.
Another small experiment found that after just 28 minutes of grounding, participants showed immediate changes in brain wave activity and muscle tension — signs that the nervous system was moving out of stress mode and into a calmer, more balanced state.
Sleep and Mental Fatigue
Not sleeping well? Feeling foggy or drained all the time? Grounding might help more than you’d expect.
Several studies have looked at grounding and sleep, and the results are promising. People reported falling asleep faster, waking up less during the night, and feeling more refreshed in the morning. Some also said they had more energy and focus during the day — something that naturally lifts your mood and mental clarity. (See research)
These changes were noticed after just a few weeks of regular grounding — and in some cases, even shorter sessions made a difference.
Low Mood and Emotional Balance
Grounding might not be a cure-all, but it definitely seems to support emotional wellbeing.
In various studies, people who were grounded regularly said they simply felt more balanced, more emotionally steady, and generally in a better headspace. The same calming effects on the nervous system that help with stress also appear to play a role in lifting mood.
And interestingly, one study even looked at premature babies in neonatal intensive care. After grounding, the babies were more relaxed and showed signs of better nervous system regulation. If grounding can help tiny, vulnerable babies relax — it’s pretty amazing what it might do for the rest of us too.
So yes, grounding really can support your mental health — and it doesn’t take much effort to get started. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, poor sleep, or just feeling off, spending a bit of time in direct contact with the Earth (or using a grounding mat indoors) could be a small but powerful habit to add to your routine.
So, How Do You Actually Do Grounding at Home?
It’s easy, just take your shoes off and step outside! Grass, soil, sand, or even bare rock all work. Just stand, walk, or sit barefoot for a while — it really is that simple.
Gardening is another great option. Touching the soil with your bare hands, planting, weeding, or just sitting with your hands resting on the ground — all of that counts as grounding.
Water is grounding too. Whether you’re swimming in a lake or the sea, dipping your feet in a river, or standing in wet sand, you’re still connecting with the Earth in a powerful way.
What if you can’t get outside?
If going outdoors isn’t easy — maybe it’s freezing, you live in a flat, or just don’t have easy access to nature — you can still ground yourself indoors using special grounding products.
There are grounding mats, sheets and patches that are designed to connect your body to the Earth through a wire that plugs into a grounded outlet. There are even grounding shoes (made of special materials)!
Whatever you buy, just make sure you go with a trusted supplier, as not all grounding products are genuine. Some are poorly made and won’t actually do anything, so it’s worth doing a bit of research before buying. (I’ll share more tips on choosing a good one later.)
What does a grounded outlet actually look like?
Not sure if your outlet is grounded? Here’s what to look for:
- In most European countries, grounded outlets have two round holes for the plug and either a metal pin or metal clips for grounding.
- In Italy, grounded outlets (Type L) have three holes in a row, with the middle one being for grounding.
- In the UK, grounded outlets (Type G) have three rectangular holes, and grounding is built into the design.
- In the US and Canada, grounded outlets (Type B) have two vertical slots and a round hole below them — that round hole is for grounding.
Essentially, if the electrical installation in your home was done properly, your outlets should be grounded. However, in older homes or places with outdated or poorly done wiring, the outlet might look grounded but may not actually be connected to the grounding system.
If you’re not sure whether your outlet is truly grounded, you can always check with a qualified electrician. There are also simple socket testers available online that you can plug into the outlet — they’ll indicate whether grounding is present or not.
A quick note — not all surfaces work
It’s also good to know that not every surface will ground you. For grounding to work, your body needs to touch something that can carry the Earth’s natural electrons — and a lot of modern materials block that connection.
Surfaces that don’t work include:
- Concrete (unless it’s unsealed and directly on the ground — but most isn’t)
- Asphalt and tarmac
- Plastic, rubber, and synthetic flooring
- Most wooden floors or decking — especially if they’re raised or treated
Surfaces that do work include:
- Grass, soil, sand, and bare earth
- Natural rock or stone (like granite)
- Bodies of water like lakes, rivers, or the sea
- Living trees — yes, if you touch a living tree that’s rooted in the earth, that counts as grounding too
How Long Do You Need to Ground to See the Benefits?
There isn’t one perfect number, but research shows that grounding for around 30 minutes can already lead to noticeable changes in the body — like reduced stress, lower inflammation, and improved sleep. That’s what most of the studies have used, and the results are promising.
Even if you do it just for 10 minutes, it’s better than nothing. The key is to do is as often and as much as you can. The longer you stick with it, the better. In some studies, people grounded themselves daily over several weeks and saw ongoing improvements in things like sleep, mood, and pain.
So try to fit in what you can. A short barefoot break in the garden is still better than nothing — but for the full benefits, regular grounding for at least 30 minutes is your best bet.
How to Choose a Genuine Grounding Product
If you can’t always get outside to ground yourself, using a grounding product at home is a great alternative — but not all of them actually work.
There are plenty of mats, sheets, patches, and even grounding shoes on the market, but some don’t do what they claim. So if you’re thinking about getting one, here’s what to look out for:
- It has to connect to the Earth. Real grounding products either plug into the earth part of a grounded socket (that third hole in most plugs), or they connect to a metal rod that goes directly into the ground outside. If it’s not physically connected to the Earth in some way, it’s not grounding you.
- Check the materials. Good grounding mats are usually made with carbon, which helps transfer the Earth’s electrons to your body. Avoid mats made from cheaper materials that aren’t conductive — they won’t work properly.
- Buy from a trusted brand. Look for clear instructions, decent reviews, and a company that actually explains how their products work. If it seems vague or makes big promises with no detail, it’s probably not reliable.
- You can test it. Some kits come with a little tester that shows whether the mat is actually conducting electricity. It’s a useful way to check that everything’s set up correctly.
- Don’t go by price alone. Expensive doesn’t always mean better — and cheap doesn’t always mean it won’t work. Just make sure it’s made from the right materials and properly connects to the Earth.
If you’re unsure, stick with brands that are mentioned in grounding books or studies — or ones that have been around a while and have good feedback.
Final Thoughts
Grounding might seem like a small thing, but as you’ve seen, the effects can be pretty powerful — especially when it comes to stress, sleep, and your overall mental wellbeing. Whether you’re walking barefoot outside, gardening, or using a grounding mat indoors, it’s such a simple habit to try — and it doesn’t cost much (or anything at all).
If you’ve been feeling a bit off or just want a natural way to support your mood and energy, grounding could be a great place to start. No pressure, no overthinking — just a little daily connection with the Earth.
Give it a go and see how you feel.
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