The UK appears to be having a record breaking summer, with large parts of England in drought.
We’ve just had our third or fourth heatwave and I think a lot of people are looking forward to going back to moaning about the rain!
Why am I talking about the weather in an email about Mental Sunshine?
Because warm weather is a perfect opportunity to practice grounding.
When it’s this warm, most of us ditch the socks and wear sandals…
So now is a great time to ditch the sandals too and ground ourselves.
Grounding is basically just walking barefoot on the earth.
It’s one of those things that sounds like it could have been made up by a hippie – but there is some real science there!
Direct skin contact with the earth allows for a transfer of electrons between our bodies and the earth.
The earth has a negative electrical charge, and the theory is that when we have direct contact with it, it balances the electrons in our own bodies.
This can help to lower inflammation in the body, and also to lower cortisol which can translate to better sleep.
Some people also say that grounding can help to speed up muscle recovery after workouts and even help wounds to heal more quickly.
Lower inflammation and cortisol are no laughing matter – inflammation and cortisol are both problems many of us face without even realising it.
A grounding walk around the garden or a park really can make a difference.
It can help to clear the mind and to lower anxiety and tension.
I also find that if you’re not used to walking barefoot, it can act as a sort of mindfulness meditation – because you can’t pay attention to not stepping on stones and overthink whatever is going on in your life!
It’s one of those simple, free things we can all try
Give it a go and let me know how you get on!