Growing up in sunny Florida, I was always barefoot. Whether it was a day at the beach with my family, running around soccer fields on campus, or just exploring the backyard, I found endless opportunities for dirty feet and toe shavings. It felt natural to be without shoes. It was a way of life.
But when I came to Texas for college, a lot changed. I found myself dressed in the concrete jungle of Austin and had little time to explore off-campus. I vividly remember how good it felt to kick my boots and walk around my dorm room barefoot. At the time, I didn’t realize there was a scientific reason for craving barefoot. Now I know: it’s called ground.
What is grounding?
It is also known as groundGrounding is a practice that brings your body into direct contact with the Earth, whether through soil, sand, water or grass. According to wellness expert Dr. John Briffa, the Earth carries a subtle charge, and when touched, electrons can flow into the body. These electrons neutralize free radicals – unstable molecules help with healing and immunity, while producing inflammation, chronic pain, and what they accumulate in excess can cause aging.
Yes, berries, lush greenery, antioxidants in foods like vitamins A, C, and E. But I’m simply walking outside barefoot.
After a cold winter and a hotter summer, I decided to reunite with this instinct. I dumped my shoes, hugged the sun and spent a week of grounding. This is what I discovered.
Relieves tension at work
This was the biggest and most unexpected advantage. For the two months leading up to my grounding experiment, I struggled with the jaw pain that had flammable every time I sat at work. My daily routine looked like this: I walked into my apartment, made coffee, opened my laptop, and boom-Paine.
After that, it was grounded. After spending a week barefoot at home, at yoga studio and around campus, my jaw pain It’s gone. I saved money and gained a new stress bailout: walking barefoot on the planet.
Find a reason to be outside
Please be honest. We can all use a little more vitamin D. The ground gave us a fresh reason to go outdoors every day. I’ve become more intentional. I ran around with my dog, had a picnic with friends, and laid out yoga mats in the lush grass.
I also realized that something beautiful was happening at these moments. I disconnected from my phone and started reconnecting with myself. No scrolling, no notifications – no presence.
Showing a carefree spirit
Juggling multiple jobs, schools and constantly meeting new people has me in go-go mode most days. So even going barefoot will rebel my guards in the best way. During my Zoom Call and outdoor classes (a cry to the amazing UT Professor who got Vitamin D), I made myself casual and comfortable.
Surprisingly, it was rubbed down by others. Going without shoes made people feel more comfortable around me. It reminded me that I don’t need to be polished all the time.
Create your own grounding plan
So you’re interested in grounding – what are you now? Like other habits, the evidence is most powerful when it is part of a normal routine. Here’s how to create a lifestyle-oriented plan:
1. Start small and make it every day
You don’t need to overhaul your life. Start with 5-10 minutes of barefoot per day. Try going outside in the morning while drinking coffee, walking barefoot during lunch break, or getting caught in the grass after class or work.
Grounding is not just barefoot. It also involves what you are doing barefoot. From the least effective The ultimate longevity Grounding on the following surfaces is recommended:
- Natural water bodies (sea, lakes, streams, etc.)
- Mud, damp soil, or wet grass
- Dry soil and grass
- Wet sand
- Dried sand
- It comes with a wet sealed concrete or brick or concrete or brick, or a water-based sealant with no layer of plastic underneath.
- Gravel or rock (touching the earth)
- Most living trees and plants.
Additionally, avoid grounding surfaces such as asphalt, vinyl, cut wood, painted/chemical sealed concrete. Wet surfaces are more likely to provide greater benefits than dry surfaces when grounded.
Tip: Combined with existing habits such as meditation, journaling, and no phone calls, it helps it stick.
2. Identify reliable grounding spots
Think of two or three accessible outdoor locations you can enjoy: a quiet park, a patch of campus lawns, a trail near your neighborhood, or even a backyard. Keep a mental list of ground-friendly spots to avoid scrambling when a reset is needed.
bonus: If you’re in town, look for dog parks, community gardens and outdoor yoga classes. These spaces often welcome barefoot moments and encourage connections with others.
3. I’ll track my feelings
Store a simple grounding journal or use the Notes app on your phone. Write down your feelings before and after the evidence: physically, emotionally, mentally. Over time, you will notice the patterns. Maybe you sleep better, have less stress, or have less headaches.
prompt: “Today I was grounded to ___ and then I felt ___.”
So does your basic plan as your diet changes with the seasons. In the summer it may look like a walk or a picnic on the beach in the park. In winter, try indoor grounding techniques (more details below) or find sun-lit patches for short sessions outdoors.
resource: Earth Research Institute Provides ideas for all-weather grounding practices and research-backed benefits.
This post was last updated on May 22, 2025 to include new insights.
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
