This week, coinciding with Houseplant Appreciation Day, we’re diving into the concept of grounding, also known as Earthing.
Before becoming parents, cleanliness was a top priority. We were obsessed with sanitizing our hands, especially during the peak of COVID times, and actively avoided muddy areas. The mere idea of stepping barefoot on sand or grass seemed unappealing, associating them with dirtiness that we preferred to avoid.
And then came our Little Boss, a bundle of curiosity. Everything around her was a sensory adventure waiting to unfold. Flowers, dried leaves, even the grass beckoned her tiny fingers and feet. While our instinct was to say "No," reverting to our parents' ways, we decided to break that generational cycle. Instead, we bit our tongues and nodded our heads, letting her explore her world freely.
And boy, have things changed! Especially when we discovered how much nature could benefit her little body.
But what exactly is Grounding or Earthing?
Earthing, in its essence, involves connecting your bare skin directly to the Earth's energy. This means taking off your shoes and spending at least 30 to 40 minutes walking or sitting directly on the Earth itself. However, it's crucial to note that this practice entails contact with natural surfaces like dirt, sand, grass, rocks, or any other ground covering made by the Earth, rather than concrete or asphalt.
Why choose Grounding or Earthing?
When our Little Boss started falling ill frequently after returning to Singapore, a friend suggested exposing her to nature for its numerous benefits. Normally, we're the kind of parents who cautiously assess and research before taking action. So, we delved into this advice, researching online and eventually trying it out ourselves. Surprisingly, it worked wonders! Despite not being outdoorsy types initially, we found ourselves exploring nature more, especially whenever our Little Boss showed signs of illness or seemed on the verge of falling sick.
Here's why:
1. The surplus of electrons received by the body through earthing plays a significant role in combating oxidative stress, which refers to the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants within the body. This process contributes to fostering a healthier immune system overall.
2. Grounding isn't just about getting to sleep; it's about enhancing the quality of your sleep too. It helps you achieve deeper, more peaceful sleep, allowing for longer and more restorative rest periods.
3. Engaging in grounding exercises can be incredibly beneficial for children (and even adults!), offering them effective tools to calm down and better manage their emotions.
That experience with our Little Boss's terrible cough and low-grade fever remains vivid. Desperate for relief, we took her to a nearby park, letting her explore flowers and play barefoot in the sand for about 30 to 45 minutes until the rising sun made it too hot. To our surprise, when we returned home, she napped deeply and woke up refreshed and content. The cough persisted, but noticeably less severe than before. That day, we realized the potency of merging science with nature in our lives.
Lucky for us, her school has a backyard with sand play. So she is basically exposed to nature every single day.
If you haven't try grounding yet, please do so. We really encourage and support this!
Just so you know, one of our favourite outdoor trainer is hundredpaths. So, do give them a follow at Instagram. ;)
Till then, happy grounding!