Grounding is a technique that can be used to manage overwhelming emotions. This technique is quite simple and can be practiced in various situations. Let's learn more about grounding technique, from the benefits it offers to how to do it the guidance, in the following review!

What Is Grounding Technique?

Essentially, this technique is done by placing the palms or soles of the feet on the ground or grass surface without any barrierobstruction (like shoes, fabric, etc.). This way, the body is directly connected to the earth.

The process of the body connecting with the earth will have a calming effect on the brain, allowing you to refocus on life. Therefore, you won't be carried away by overwhelming negative feelings or emotions.

Focusing on life will help you engage in daily activities with full awareness and attention. For instance, when listening to music, you will fully enjoy what is being played. 

When eating, you notice the taste, texture, and portion of the food consumed. Or, when speaking, you are aware of the words spoken and their effects.

When you can't focus well on life due to being overwhelmed by emotions or disturbed by stress, many moments will pass by unnoticed. 

As a result, life feels less meaningful, work results become subpar, or the day feels worse.

It's worth noting that grounding will not immediately alleviate feelings of sadness, panic, anxiety, and other emotions you may be experiencing. 

However, the grounding technique will keep you in a stable and focused state until the emotional storm subsides.

Benefits of Grounding Practice

Grounding not only helps maintain mental stability when we experience excessive pressure, but it also provides many health benefits for the body. Here's the explanation:

1. Improves Sleep Quality

According to research, grounding techniques can reduce cortisol hormone production and have a positive effect on the body's circadian rhythm. 

This allows you to sleep more easily and soundly. Moreover, research participants also revealed that grounding can reduce body pain and perceived stress levels.

2. Helps Counteract Free Radicals

Grounding can help the body avoid premature aging and damage. This is because the skin's contact with the earth's surface can facilitate the delivery of antioxidant electrons to body cells. Thus, the body is protected from the harmful effects of free radicals.

3. Strengthens the Immune System

In addition to functioning as antioxidants, electrons flowing into the body during grounding can also enhance the body's inflammatory response. 

Inflammatory response occurs when the body is attacked by harmful microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi. 

The faster the inflammatory response works, the faster our body recovers from the disease being experienced.

4. Helps Alleviate Hypertension

In a small study published by the National Library of Medicine in 2023, grounding was able to significantly reduce blood pressure. 

Systolic blood pressure decreased by 8.6 - 22.7%. However, in most cases, blood pressure decreased by 14.3% after regularly practicing grounding techniques. 

This helps hypertensive patients control their blood pressure without or with less hypertension medication. reduce the needdependence of blood pressure-lowering drugs on hypertensive patients. on blood pressure-lowering drugs.

5. Aids Muscle Relaxation

In a study titled "Grounding - The Universal Anti-Inflammatory Remedy," it was also mentioned that this technique can reduce tension and inflammation in muscles. 

This fact makes grounding one of the appropriate relaxation methods for those who use their body muscles extensively in activities. Thus, the body feels more comfortable.

Guide to Practicing Grounding Techniques

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published guidelines for practicing grounding correctly. 

According to these guidelines, the first step is to clearly understand your feelings and thoughts. After successfully recognizing your feelings and thoughts at that moment, next you need to:

• Sit down and try to calm yourself. Then, feel your body.
• Empty your lungs by exhaling a long breath through your mouth. Count 1-3 before you inhale.
• After the count of 3, gently take a long breath. Repeat until you find the right breathing rhythm. Feel each inhalation and exhalation.
• Once you find the right rhythm, slowly press your feet to the floor until you stand perfectly.
• Slowly stretch your arms. Or, slowly clench both hands.
• Next, refocus on your surroundings. Notice where you are.
• Scan around and try to see 5 objects.
• Then, try to listen to the sounds produced by 3 or 4 different objects.
• Next, inhale deeply through your nose. Notice any scents around you.
• Be aware of where you are and the activity you were doing before.
• Next, touch anything within reach. Feel with your fingers how it feels.

Performing grounding techniques independently is not always easy. You may need repeated attempts to find the most suitable technique to alleviate emotions in various situations.

The key to mastering this technique is to practice as often as possible. Consistently scheduling grounding practice is also one of the recommended ways by WHO.

You can practice grounding anywhere. It is best to choose a quiet and comfortable place like Sanur beach in the morning, when you stay at The Meru.

The Meru is a 5 star hotel located in The Sanur area, and has direct access to Sanur beach with a wide stretch of gentle white sand and a calm atmosphere that is ideal for you to practice grounding, meditation, and yoga.