What Is Grounding and How Does It Work for Relaxation?
Grounding means touching the Earth with your bare skin. Most people do this by walking barefoot on grass, dirt, or sand. Some use grounding tools like mats or sheets connected to the ground through a wall outlet. The Earth carries a tiny electric charge, and your body may respond positively.
People often say they feel more relaxed afterward. It’s believed to help calm down your nervous system and take the edge off stress. It's simple to do and doesn't take much effort.
Does Grounding Actually Improve Mood?
Yes, grounding might help lift your mood and promote relaxation—at least based on early research. A 2015 study by Gaétan Chevalier looked into this. It tested people who relaxed in a chair for an hour, either grounded or not.
Some were actually grounded through a special mat. Others weren’t, but they thought they were. The grounded group said they felt more pleasant and less negative afterward. They also scored better on a mood scale about calmness, tiredness, and general mood.
The difference wasn’t extreme, but it was noticeable. It suggests grounding may do something beyond just sitting and relaxing.
Why Grounding May Help You Feel Calmer and More Balanced
Grounding could help you feel more balanced because it might help shift your body out of stress mode. Your nervous system can get stuck on high alert when you’re always busy, thinking a lot, or dealing with pressure.
Touching the Earth might help settle things down. The study showed changes in mood that wouldn’t happen from just resting. So something about the actual connection to the ground seems to matter.
It’s not magic, but it might help your mind slow down when it’s racing. Even a short session might make a difference if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Grounding vs. Other Relaxation Techniques: What’s the Difference?
Grounding isn’t the same as meditating, stretching, or napping. Those help too, but grounding adds a different kind of effect.
Think of it this way—meditating indoors is about focus. Napping is about rest. Grounding is about contact with nature. You could even combine them. Sit outside, close your eyes, and rest your feet on the ground.
Some people say grounding feels more natural. Others feel results faster. It’s not better or worse—it just works differently. This could be a helpful extra step if you’ve tried other ways to calm down and still feel stuck.
Learn more: How grounding reduces stress and anxiety
How to Get Started with Grounding for Relaxation
The easiest way to ground yourself is to go outside with bare feet. Grass, dirt, sand—it all works. Aim for 20 to 30 minutes a day, or whatever time you can fit in.
Can’t go outside? You’re not out of luck. There are grounding tools like:
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Grounding mats you stand or sit on
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Grounding sheets you sleep on
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Grounding pillowcases for added reinforcement
All of these connect to a grounded outlet. Choose what fits your routine. A mat under your desk, a sheet on your bed. Keep it easy.
Some tips to try:
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Try to do it at the same time daily to build a habit
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Pair it with quiet time or deep breathing
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Pay attention to how you feel before and after
Don’t overthink it. Just try, adjust, and see what works for you.
Using Grounding to Support Mood and Relaxation
Grounding is a low-effort way to feel better. The early research shows that it can help you feel a little more positive and calm—even after just one hour.
It’s not a cure for everything. It won’t replace therapy or other treatments. But it’s something easy and natural to try, especially if you’re feeling off.
You don’t need fancy equipment. You don’t even need to go anywhere. Just you, the ground, and a bit of time.
Try it for a few days. Stay open. You might be surprised how much lighter your mind feels after something this simple.
References
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Chevalier, G. (2015). The effect of grounding the human body on mood. Psychological reports, 116(2), 534-542.
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Sinatra, S. T., Oschman, J. L., Chevalier, G., & Sinatra, D. (2017). Electric nutrition: The surprising health and healing benefits of biological grounding (Earthing). Altern Ther Health Med, 23(5), 8-16.
