What is Grounding?

Grounding is all about electricity. Free electrons flow through all living things here on Earth, keeping the delicate force of the Universe in balance.

Our entire planet conducts natural electric signals that correct health imbalances in our bodies. Their energy is generated deep within the Earth’s core, then brought to the surface through solar radiation, lightning strikes, and other natural causes that occur all over the place constantly.

As a result, there is an abundance of free electrons readily available to all beings, wherever there is natural ground or conductive elements.

“The natural frequencies of the Earth that we speak of are waves of energy caused by the motions of subatomic particles called free electrons. We all live and function electrically on an electrical planet. The fact is, all of your movements, behaviors, and actions are energized by electricity.”

Clinton Ober, author of Earthing

As humans, we actually need the natural electricity of our home planet just as much as we need protein or calcium. So when we ground ourselves, we are restoring this flow of electrons in our bodies.

Simply staying connected with nature is the best way to remain grounded. Reconnecting with nature does so much more for you than you could ever imagine. The Earth has incredible things to offer, other than her gorgeous landscapes and incredible creatures.

So now that we’ve discussed what grounding is and why it’s important, let’s talk about a few different ways to actually get grounded in winter.

How to Stay Grounded in Winter

Typically, the act of grounding or earthing involves walking barefoot on soil, sand, or grass. I believe this is one of the reasons why everyone seems to be extremely happy during the summertime! We spend so much time outside barefoot, we end up grounding ourselves effortlessly.

But for most of us, walking barefoot outside isn’t possible year round. So we sometimes struggle with getting grounded in winter. Here are seven ways to stay grounded when you can’t walk barefoot outside:

1. Go Outside Anyway

Learn to love embracing the cold of winter! Didn’t see that one coming, did you? Even during the winter, I make an effort to spend time outside and breathe fresh air every day. It may be cold, but it’s worth it.

I’ve really grown to love spending time outside in the snow! If you dread the winters, consider opening yourself up a little bit and learn how to embrace the cold. You might surprise yourself. Five minutes is all it takes.

Depending on the temperature outside, bundle up and go for a walk mid-day. You don’t need to take your boots off to connect with nature. Fill your lungs with fresh air, hug a tree or two, make some snow angels, pick up a winter sport, or snuggle up on the porch with a hot beverage.

2. Keep beautiful houseplants

I’ll admit it: I am a crazy plant lady. I am just obsessed with bringing the outside in with houseplants! It makes our home so much more inviting, and watching plants grow is very rewarding.

Keeping houseplants helps you to stay grounded in winter because of the soil, leaves, and the mood-boosting effects. Taking care of houseplants sometimes requires you to dig in the dirt which can help you connect with nature while staying inside.

Plus, some plants thrive during the winter months. Every year I have several plants that bloom gorgeous flowers throughout December, January, and even February. It brightens my life!

3. Tree visualization during meditation

When you sit down to meditate, imagine your spine is like the trunk of a big, 100 year old tree. Its roots reach down far past your seat and deep into the earth. Its branches reach far above your head and into the heavens. Even if you live on the top floor of a building, this tree visualization is excellent for grounding your energy.

4. Work with dark colored crystals

Crystals are excellent for grounding energy. Just pick your favorite root chakra crystal to wear/work with during the winter. The root chakra is the energy center that helps us feel grounded in the first place.

Here is a short list of grounding crystals that are readily available: black tourmaline, garnet, smokey quartz, red jasper, red calcite, onyx, jet, hematite, shungite, bloodstone, and more. Crystal healing is always available to you.

5. Eat lots of yummy vegetables

Onions, garlic, yams, beets, parsnips, turnips, carrots, artichokes, radishes, ginger, potatoes, celery, etc. As their name suggests, they are really good at rooting our energy in our bodies and balancing out the root chakra.

These and other veggies are great for grounding because they are deeply connected with the Earth because of how they grow out of the ground. They are hardy and filling–two things you want out of your food in the winter to feel more grounded. Some of the most popular and tasty vegetables thrive during winter. So go chow down and get grounded!

6. Take good care of your feet

Pedicure anyone? A really simple way to stay grounded in winter is to pamper your feet. We all think to do this in the summertime when we are barefoot, but we tend to lose interest in the winter when socks take over. If you stick with your normal pedicure, lotion, foot rub, nail polish, what-have-you routine, you’ll naturally feel more grounded.

There are mini chakras in and between your feet. Work with this energy in the winter even if no one else cares if your feet are pretty right now. And when summer eventually comes around, your feet will still be pretty!

7. Affirm that you are grounded

This is by far the easiest way to stay grounded all year round. If you’re constantly telling yourself “I am not grounded,” then you will not be grounded. Instead, replace those thoughts with the mantra “I am grounded and connected with Mother Earth.” Or just pick any root chakra affirmation that resonates with you right now.

Mantras pair really well with crystal energy. Once you select your crystal and your mantra, just work with their energy every day. Or at least whenever you feel distant from nature. Super simple, right?

Meditation is life changing, but it doesn’t need to be daunting. Mindfulness Made Easy: An Introduction to Meditation is available now on your favorite ebook app for only $2.99!