In today’s always-on world, it's easy to feel disconnected - from nature, from ourselves, and from the present moment. But sometimes, the most powerful forms of healing are also the simplest. Grounding, or “earthing,” is the practice of connecting your body directly to the earth, and it's been shown to support everything from reduced stress and inflammation to better sleep and improved emotional well-being.
To explore the practice more deeply, we spoke with Nicole, a wholefood chef and yoga teacher, who discovered grounding during a difficult period in her life. She shares how it transformed her sense of calm, connection, and clarity—and offers beautiful, practical ways you can bring grounding into your own daily rhythm.
How did you first discover grounding, and what drew you to it?
I discovered grounding during a particularly stressful chapter of my life—one that, for the first time, made me aware of my mental health and how important it was to take care of it. Growing up, mental health wasn’t really something we talked about, so navigating that space felt new and unfamiliar. I started looking for ways to feel more stable and calm, and that’s when I came across grounding.
What drew me in was the simplicity of it—just being barefoot on the earth, breathing deeply, slowing down. It felt so natural, almost like coming home to something I didn’t know I’d been missing. I realised how disconnected I’d become from nature, and how healing it was to just be still outside—to feel the grass under my feet, the sun on my skin, the wind in my hair. Grounding became not just a practice, but a way of remembering that I’m part of something bigger, and that nature has a quiet, powerful way of holding us when we need it most.
What benefits have you personally experienced from grounding?
One of the first things I noticed was a real sense of calm—and honestly, at first it felt almost unfamiliar. I realised that my body and mind had been living in a constant state of fight-or-flight, and grounding started to gently interrupt that cycle.
Over time, that calm began to settle in more deeply, and I found myself feeling less reactive, less overwhelmed. My focus and mental clarity improved too—I felt like I could finally hear myself think. I started making better decisions, feeling more connected to what I actually wanted out of life, rather than just reacting to what was happening around me.
There’s also been a big reduction in stress and anxiety. Grounding gives me a moment to pause, breathe, and come back to the present. It’s like giving my nervous system a reset, and I’ve come to really rely on that feeling of rootedness.
How do you incorporate grounding into your daily routine? Do you have any favourite practices?
I try to incorporate grounding in simple, natural ways throughout my day. One of my favourite practices is combining my yoga with time outdoors. Whenever I can, I take my mat outside—whether it’s in the garden or my local forest. Practising yoga in nature adds an extra layer of presence and connection. I find the energy of the earth really supports the movement and breath—it helps me feel rooted and calm, even on the busiest days.
If the weather’s not great, I bring grounding indoors with practices like standing or sitting with my feet flat on the floor, focusing on my breath, and visualizing roots extending into the earth
I also kick my shoes off whenever possible. I’m really lucky to live just two minutes from the beach, so I often walk my dogs barefoot along the sand. It’s such a soothing practice—feeling the earth beneath my feet, hearing the waves, and letting my mind settle.
From a yoga perspective, how does grounding complement mindfulness and movement?
Grounding is like the foundation that supports both mindfulness and movement. In yoga, we talk a lot about being present in the body, and grounding helps anchor us there. When you’re grounded, your movements become more intentional, and your mind naturally quiets. It’s a beautiful synergy—grounding enhances the mind-body connection, which deepens the yoga practice as a whole.
Do you have any tips for beginners who want to start grounding but don’t know where to begin?
Start small and stay curious. Grounding doesn’t have to be complicated—it can be as simple as stepping outside and standing barefoot on the grass, sand, or even soil. The key is to slow down and really feel that connection beneath you. Just a few minutes a day can make a noticeable difference.
If you already practise yoga or meditation, try taking it outside. Even a short flow or a few moments of stillness in nature can help you drop into your body and the present moment. Practising yoga outdoors is such a beautiful way to experience grounding—you’re moving and breathing in sync with your surroundings, and it naturally brings more awareness to how your body connects with the earth.
Also, don’t worry about “doing it right.” Grounding is a personal experience, and there’s no one way to connect with nature. Whether it’s a barefoot walk, sitting under a tree, or simply pausing to take a few deep breaths outside—it all counts. The more often you do it, the more natural and nourishing it becomes.
Are there any common misconceptions about grounding that you’d like to clarify?
One common misconception is that grounding is only spiritual or “woo-woo.” While it does have spiritual aspects for some, there’s growing scientific evidence that it can have real physiological benefits, like reducing inflammation and improving sleep. Another myth is that you need special equipment or be in nature all the time. While nature is ideal, grounding can be as simple as a mindful connection wherever you are.
Nicole’s story is a beautiful reminder that healing often starts with the simplest things—bare feet, fresh air, a moment of stillness. Grounding invites us to slow down, reconnect, and remember that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves. Whether you’re navigating stress, seeking clarity, or simply wanting to feel more present, grounding offers a gentle, powerful path back home to your body and to nature.
Benefits of Grounding
Here are 5 benefits of grounding according to Nicole:
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Reduced Stress and Anxiety
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Increased Calmness
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Improved Focus and Mental Clarity
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Less Reactivity and Overwhelm
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Better Connection to Oneself and Nature
About Nicole
Discover grounding through the eyes of Nicole, a travelling wholefood chef and yoga practitioner.
Follow her on IG: @prettywildkitchen
Or TikTok: @prettywildkitchen