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Did you know standing outside barefoot is beneficial and has a scientific name? Grounding, or earthing, is the practice of standing on the ground barefoot to absorb the Earth’s natural electric charge.

According to the National Library of Medicine, grounding produces positive effects on inflammation, immune responses, wound healing, and can be beneficial in the treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

While more research is needed, connecting with the earth has also been shown to improve mood, reduce anxiety and stress, promote sleep and relaxation, regulate the nervous system, and improve circulation.

How to practice grounding:

• Go outside without shoes or socks and stand/sit/walk on the grass, soil, sand, or even concrete.
• Focus on connection. Find a time and place that allows you to feel relaxed and present.
• 20-30 minutes is the optimal time frame, but even shorter sessions can be beneficial!

For children, specifically, spending time outside can help improve sleep, build confidence, calm and reduce anxiety, and promote sensory engagement.

While it might be tough to get a kid to sit or stand still barefoot, there are several ways to get them engaged so they can benefit from grounding.

1. 5-4-3-2-1 Method. Have your child identify five things they can see, four things that they can touch, three things that they can hear, two things they can smell, and one thing they can taste.
2. Mindful Walking. As you walk, prompt your child to describe what it feels like to have their bare feet on the ground. Is the ground rough? Bumpy? Cold?
3. Physical activities. Play a game barefoot, dance in the grass, or do yoga!

Please ensure you are using proper sun and weather protection while outside. Always check to ensure the spot you plan to practice grounding is safe to do so.

Want to learn more about how playing in nature is beneficial? Check out our post “Benefits of Playing in the Rain.”

In light of the holiday season, teaching our children about gratitude is a great way to share and spread positivity to others. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude is linked to improved sleep, reduced stress and anxiety, increased happiness, and increased emotional resilience.

There are many different ways parents can encourage gratitude in their children:

• Start simple! Anytime your child does something helpful, point it out.
• Encourage them to say “thank you” as a verbal expression of gratitude.
• Be a role model and allow your children to hear you talk about how grateful or appreciative you are for something or someone else. This can include things we often might take for granted such as daily meals, water, and/or electricity.
• Involve them in acts of kindness by visiting an animal shelter, volunteering at a holiday food drive, or donating a toy to Toys for Tots (or any other charity).
• Practice writing thank you cards/notes to friends and family members.
• When your child is upset, challenge them to focus on something positive in the situation.
• Create a routine. Have a regular conversation at the dinner table or before bed about one thing you both are grateful for that day.

Make the holiday season even more cheerful by remembering to practice gratitude wherever you go and encouraging your little ones to do so too!

With the fall break approaching, be sure to check out our other blogs about the importance of open-ended play and ways to practice fine motor skills!