First published 23 May 2025

From Punishment to Power:

Why Being “Grounded” Is Actually Good for You

Do you remember being sent to your room as a kid?

That sinking feeling when you heard those dreaded words:

“Right, you’re grounded!”

Back then, it felt like the end of the world – confined indoors, cut off from friends, watching life happen through your bedroom window – and we didn’t even have tech to be confiscated – welcome to boredom city!

Funny how perspectives change, isn’t it?

These days, I find myself actively choosing to be grounded – and I’m not talking about staying in on a Saturday night (though sometimes that’s needed too!). 

It’s also something I have found myself recommending to people over the last couple of weeks, which got me to thinking, perhaps it was worth writing about.

What I am talking about here is the powerful practice of literally connecting with the earth beneath our feet.

What Does Being Grounded Mean Nowadays?

Being grounded today means something entirely different. It’s about:

• Physical connection – feeling your feet firmly planted on the earth
• Mental clarity – finding your centre when life feels to much
• Emotional stability – creating a sense of calm and security
• Energetic balance – allowing excess energy to flow away or drawing in what you need if you are a little depleted

The Magic Happens When Your Feet Touch the Ground

There’s genuine science behind this ancient practice (this Healthline article covers a little of it).

When we make direct contact with the earth – whether it’s grass, sand, water or soil – we’re exchanging electrons with the planet.

This process, called “earthing,” can help reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and balance our nervous system.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, this makes perfect sense.

The earth element governs our sense of stability and nourishment.

When we are disconnected from this grounding energy, we can feel scattered, worried, or completely “stuck in our heads.”

Your root chakra – that foundational energy centre at the base of your spine – absolutely thrives on this earth connection.

When we are balanced and grounded, we feel secure, confident, and able to handle whatever life throws our way.
 

A Simple Grounding Practice for When You Feel You Have No Time

A quick and easy way to get grounded even if time is limited:

Find a patch of grass, sand, or bare earth (your garden, a local park, or even a quiet spot by the seaside – you can even stand with your feet in the water if you are on the beach).

Remove your socks and shoes and stand with your feet hip-width apart.

Close your eyes and just be present.  If you need a little more guidance than that, perhaps you can imagine roots growing from the soles of your feet deep into the earth.

With each breath, feel yourself becoming more stable, more centred.

Notice any tension in your body and imagine it flowing down through your newly formed roots, allowing the tension to be absorbed and transformed by the earth.

Stay for as long as feels comfortable – even as little as two minutes can make a big difference.  (If you decide to put your feet in the water, make sure to take a towel with you!)
 

Why Your Body Will Thank You

Regular grounding can help with:

• Better sleep quality
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved circulation
• Enhanced immune function
• Greater emotional resilience
• Clearer thinking and decision-making

From a kinesiological standpoint, grounding helps regulate your autonomic nervous system, shifting you from that “fight or flight” state into “rest and digest” mode, where healing can take place.

Tools are available (like grounding sheets and mats) – I haven’t personally tested these, but I have heard great things from people I know who use them. 

Personally, I find that by not going the route of tools, I am more encouraged to spend some time outside, which I find beneficial. 

The process works best when we choose the right options for ourselves (not forgetting that this could change over time)!
 

Your Challenge This Week: Should You Choose to Accept

This week, I challenge you to get grounded – literally – at least once a day.

• Can you add it to your morning routine and have your first cuppa in the garden with bare feet?
• What about a lunchtime walk on the grass?
• Or maybe a moment of connection before bed – could you habit stack it with putting the bins out (maybe just walk a wee bit away from the bins first to get the most from the moment!).

Take a moment to notice how you feel before and after.

Does your breathing change?

How about your energy levels or your ability to handle stress?

Are you ready to ground yourself in better health?

If you’re curious about how grounding practices could fit into your personal wellness journey, or if you’d like to explore how kinesiology can help you find your centre, I’d love to chat.

Use the link below to book your discovery call (or zoffee) to explore how we can help you feel more grounded, balanced, and energised – easily.

Here’s to getting grounded in all the best ways!

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Perhaps the child in you who hated being grounded was just missing the point – sometimes the best punishment can become the gift you never knew you needed! 😉