Many of us spend most of the day indoors, sitting, looking at screens. It is no surprise that "grounding" has become such a popular idea. It can mean two things: a feeling of being steady and present, and a practice of reconnecting with the natural world.
Grounding in yoga
In yoga, grounding starts with the body's contact with the floor. Standing poses root through the feet; seated poses root through the sit bones. The root chakra, Muladhara, is associated with the earth element and with feeling safe and supported.
A grounded practice is slow, steady and close to the floor, with long exhales.
What research says about nature
There is good evidence that time in nature supports wellbeing:
- A study of about 20,000 people in England (White et al., 2019) found that people who spent at least 120 minutes a week in nature were more likely to report good health and wellbeing.
- Japanese research on forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) suggests that time among trees can lower stress markers such as heart rate and cortisol.
What about "earthing"?
"Earthing" is the specific claim that touching the earth with bare skin transfers electrons that reduce inflammation. Some small studies exist, but they are limited, and the claims go well beyond the evidence. Walking barefoot on grass is lovely, and safe in the right place. It does not need a scientific promise to be worth doing.
Simple ways to feel more grounded
- Five minutes outside every morning. Notice the sky, the air and the ground under your feet.
- Barefoot standing. Stand in Mountain Pose on grass, sand or simply your floor, feeling the weight in your feet.
- Walking meditation. Slow down, feeling each step. Guided walking meditation.
- Tend something living. A plant, a garden, a window box.
- 5-4-3-2-1. When anxious, name five things you see, four you hear, three you feel, two you smell and one you taste.
A grounding practice
Try our balance foundations practice: steady standing and balancing poses that bring attention down into your feet and legs.
Signs you might need grounding
Feeling ungrounded is not a medical term, but many people recognise the experience:
- racing thoughts and difficulty concentrating
- feeling "in your head" and disconnected from your body
- restlessness, rushing, or forgetting things
- trouble sleeping
- feeling overwhelmed by small tasks
Ayurveda describes many of these as signs of excess vata, the dosha of air and space, and recommends warmth, routine and grounding practices. You can explore this in the dosha quiz.
A ten-minute grounding yoga sequence
- Mountain Pose (1 minute). Stand barefoot, feel the four corners of each foot. Guide
- Standing Forward Fold (1 minute). Bend the knees generously and let the head hang. Guide
- Warrior II (1 minute each side). Feel strong legs and a long exhale. Guide
- Tree Pose (1 minute each side). Root through the standing foot. Guide
- Garland Pose (1 minute). A deep squat close to the earth. Guide
- Child's Pose (1 minute). Forehead to the floor. Guide
- Corpse Pose (2 minutes). Feel the weight of your body supported by the ground. Guide
Grounding through the senses
The quickest way back into the present is through the body and senses:
- Touch: hold something cool, like a stone or a glass of water.
- Smell: essential oils, coffee, herbs or fresh air.
- Sound: birdsong, rain or a single sustained note.
- Taste: eat something warm and slowly.
- Sight: look at something natural and describe it to yourself in detail.
Grounding and the seasons
Many traditions encourage living in rhythm with the seasons: rising earlier in summer, resting more in winter, eating seasonal food and noticing the changing light. Paying attention to these natural cycles is a simple, ongoing way to feel connected to the earth. Our moon calendar offers another natural rhythm to practise with.
Key takeaways
- Grounding means feeling present and steady in your body, and reconnecting with the natural world.
- Research links around two hours a week in nature with better health and wellbeing.
- Claims about "earthing" go beyond the current evidence, but time outdoors is valuable in its own right.
- Slow, low and steady yoga poses, long exhales and sensory awareness are simple grounding tools.
- Small daily habits, like a few minutes outside each morning, make the biggest difference over time.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean to be grounded?
Feeling present, steady and connected to your body and surroundings, able to respond calmly rather than react.
Is walking barefoot good for you?
On safe, clean surfaces it can be pleasant and helps strengthen the feet. Be careful if you have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced sensation in your feet.
How long should I spend in nature each week?
Research suggests around two hours a week, in one visit or several shorter ones, is linked with better wellbeing.
Which chakra is related to grounding?
The root chakra, Muladhara, associated with the earth element and a sense of safety.
Updated 9 October 2026 by the YogiSoul editorial team. Read our editorial policy and wellness policy.