When you’re feeling wound up, there’s nothing better than grounding yourself in nature to recharge. We’ve rounded up the Good team’s favourite ways to do just that.
Earthing
Earthing, also called grounding, involves doing activities that electrically reconnect you to the earth. Earthing activities include walking barefoot outside, lying on the ground and getting your hands in some soil while gardening – anything that connects your skin with the earth.
The science is still emerging, but electrical charges from the earth have been found to have potential positive effects on your body, helping you to feel calmer and more energetic, and even recover from muscle strain faster. Crazy, right?
Beach time
Whether you’re a true water baby or just a fan of lounging in the sun, spending time at the beach can be a great way to reset.
Not only are saltwater and exfoliating sand great for your skin, if it’s a sunny day, you’ll get all the vitamin D you need to boost your immunity and mood.
Plus, the beach is a great place to disconnect – who wants to be squinting at a screen in the sun? Unplug and take it slow.
Smell the flowers
It’s a cliché, but stopping to smell the roses is a worthwhile activity for anyone feeling a little stressed.
Not only is enjoying the colours and scents of various flowers a pleasurable activity, but science also suggests that certain floral scents even have physical healing qualities.
For example, jasmine is known to help promote calm and fight depression, while lavender can help with insomnia.
Additionally, having a brightly coloured bunch of flowers within sight can really raise your mood. Go for saturated orange or yellow shades to improve happiness and pastels for peace and calm.
Stargaze
It comes as no surprise that sales of telescopes skyrocketed (no pun intended) internationally during last year’s lockdown – there’s nothing like looking at the night sky to make all your problems feel smaller.
Choose a clear night and take a warm blanket to put on the ground, then just lie back and let yourself be awed by the beauty of the sky.
Pack a picnic
There’s something special about dining alfresco: all the food seems to taste more delicious and everything feels less formal.
Change up the stress of cooking at home by packing up some easy, classic picnic fare (we’re thinking sandwiches, fruit and your favourite sweet treat) and heading to a park near you with a loved one. Breathe deeply and enjoy the fresh air on your face. And then tuck into whatever treats you’ve brought!
Watch the sunrise
There’s nothing like watching the day roll in for a total reset. Not only does watching the sunrise help you wake up naturally by stimulating the light receptors in your eyes, it’s also a great moment to take stock and remember that every day is a new day.
For the ultimate experience, try viewing the sunrise from a hill or the beach.
Meditate outdoors
We all know that meditation is great for promoting calm and managing anxiety, but taking your practice outside can add a whole other level.
Sitting in your garden, on a park bench or on the beach can really help you get out of your head and open up your breathing – plus, it’s always a lovely scene to open your eyes on afterwards!
