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Learn about grounding, a technique used to help reduce stress and anxiety
Stress is part of our daily reality. No one gets to avoid stress, but there are some ways to help reduce its effects. For people who struggle with anxiety, learning some handy tips that can help you relax is huge. One of the ways to reduce anxiety is through something called grounding, or earthing.
Grounding refers to the practice of being one with nature. This might include something as simple as walking barefoot. Other grounding methods might involve spending time standing in the sand, on the grass, or even in the dirt. By standing for a time on these surfaces you can connect with the earth. The idea of grounding is to reduce the effects of stress through the earth’s natural electrical energy.
About Grounding Techniques and Nature
All of us have felt the power of nature in some way. Whether you are strolling on the beach, working in the garden, or hiking in the hills, being outside refreshes us. Nature can help restore mental wellness through its sounds, smells, and sensations.
How can something that costs zero dollars have such a profound impact on our state of wellness? Even on our souls? It is because nature represents life. When you connect with the natural elements you absorb the energy of life that exists all around you. It might be the earthen scent of a hiking trail or the sound of the waves crashing on the beach. All around us the potent effects of nature are there to lift our spirits.
The practice of grounding drafts off the concept of nature as healer. Grounding simply helps us to focus our mind on the touch and feel of the earth. Grounding allows Earth’s energy to be absorbed into our body. The power of this practice is seen in how it quiets our nerves and settles us down.
When faced with an event that causes feelings of anxiety to rise, grounding becomes one simple way to get it under control. It can be as simple as sitting outdoors for fifteen minutes with your toes in the grass. It can involve placing your hands in a bucket of ice water. Whichever way you chose to practice grounding can truly help to calm you.
How Nature Helps Alleviate Anxiety
It is truly a gift to have such a gorgeous world to enjoy. The beauty of nature is that it costs nothing and is there for us at any time. If you happen to find your stress level spiking, don’t worry.
Consider these ways that nature can help control stress and improve our mindset:
- Improves our mood. Getting outside in nature is one way to boost your mood. Being outdoors just makes you feel more upbeat. It gets you out of your own four walls and opens your mind up to the wonders of nature. Sunshine is an added bonus. It helps us produce vitamin D, which can help improve mood as well.
- Decreases anxiety. Anxiety and stress are rampant today. Nature can be a salve. Whether it is a soft breeze on our face or the scent of spring flowers, nature makes us feel calm. Convene with nature to enjoy a healthy and drug-free way to reduce anxiety. Visit a nature preserve or take a long hike to help bring about a relaxed state of mind.
- Enhances wellness. To maintain our mental health and wellbeing a healthy lifestyle is key. By getting outdoors and being active, you will begin to reap the benefits of movement and nature. It isn’t just about toning the body, but the mental health aspects of movement that might surprise you. Maybe it’s a daily 20-minute brisk walk or a 20-mile bike ride. How you choose to move your body doesn’t matter. Just be sure to include outdoor movement in your day.
- Helps us connect to our spiritual side. Going out into nature, seeing its beauty and vastness, helps you cultivate a sense of the profound. The design of nature provokes a sense of awe. This can draw you into a spiritual mindset and inspire you to spend some time in reflection, prayer, or meditation.
- Increases joy. Being out in nature provides the perfect spark to help you reclaim a sense of joy. Just drinking in the sights and sounds around you can make you smile.
7 Natural Stress Reducers
Grounding is just one method that uses nature to help us relax. There are many ways to de-stress that are also holistic and drug-free. Consider these 7 ways to lower stress levels:
- Aromatherapy. Several essential oils used in aromatherapy induce relaxations, such as lavender oil, bergamot, rose, ylang ylang, and German chamomile.
- Mindfulness. Mindfulness helps us to reduce stress by focusing our thoughts to the present moment instead of becoming distracted by worries or past events.
- Music. Surround yourself with soothing music when you sense stress levels rising. Music can immediately shift your mood and induce relaxation.
- Yoga. Yoga uses movement and breathing focus to bring about deep relaxation, as it helps release muscle tension.
- Focused breathing. Deep breathing techniques help lower heart rate and blood pressure, bringing about a sense of calm within moments.
- Adopt a Pet. Many studies have shown that the calming effects of pet ownership offer a multitude of health benefits, including improved mental health.
- Massage. Release muscle tension and toxins through therapeutic massage. Enhance the relaxation massage with hot rocks and aromatherapy.
Treatment for Anxiety
If you indulge in all these tips and still find yourself struggling with stress and anxiety, you may need help. A mental health expert can guide you toward wellness through therapy. CBT is very helpful for changing the way you perceive things that seem to threaten your peace. The CBT therapist will help you shift irrational thoughts and fears to a positive mindset.
Mental Health Hope Offers Guidance for Anxiety Control
The team at Mental Health Hope is there to help you gain control over your anxiety disorder. They can offer a free assessment and guide you toward a mental health retreat for more intensive treatment. Call the team today at (877) 967-9274.