Grounding for Mental Health: A Science-Backed Barefoot Ritual to Rebalance Mind and Body

By Dr. Styliani Spyridi | Integrative Psychiatry in Limassol, Cyprus

As summer arrives in Cyprus, there’s a quiet invitation all around us: to slow down, reconnect with nature, and step back into rhythm with our own biology. One of the simplest ways to do this may surprise you—taking off your shoes.

Grounding, also known as earthing, is the practice of walking barefoot on natural surfaces like grass, sand, or soil. While it may seem like a small act, emerging research in neuroscience, endocrinology, and mental health suggests that it can have significant effects on our physiology and emotional balance.

Why Grounding Matters in a Fast-Paced World
Many people live in a near-constant state of stimulation—screen exposure, deadlines, background stress. The nervous system is often stuck in “fight or flight” mode, leading to fatigue, poor sleep, irritability, and burnout. Grounding offers a natural, evidence-based way to recalibrate the brain, hormones, and immune system, helping the body return to a more balanced state.

 6 Research-Backed Benefits of Grounding for Mental Health

1. Reduces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
   Grounding allows the body to absorb electrons from the Earth, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce chronic inflammation.

 Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth’s Surface Electrons, Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012.

2. Regulates Cortisol and Stress Response
Direct contact with the ground can help stabilize cortisol rhythms, lowering stress and promoting emotional resilience.

 The Biologic Effects of Grounding During Sleep, Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2004.

3. Improves Sleep Quality
Participants in grounding studies reported faster sleep onset, deeper sleep, and fewer nighttime awakenings.

 Sleep Improvement Through Grounding, Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2004.

4. Elevates Mood and Mental Clarity
Walking barefoot in natural environments is linked to increased serotonin levels, reduced fatigue, and greater emotional balance.

 Effects of Barefoot Walking in an Urban Forest on Mood and Inflammation, Healthcare (MDPI), 2023.

5. Supports Immune Function and Brain Chemistry
Grounding has been shown to enhance immune signaling and promote the release of serotonin and endorphins—key players in mental wellbeing.

 Serotonin and Immune Function Changes During Barefoot Nature Exposure, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2023.

6.  Improves Brainwave Activity and Focus
Studies show that regular barefoot walking shifts brainwaves from overstimulated patterns (gamma, high-beta) to calmer, more focused states (alpha, SMR).

 Changes in EEG Patterns After 12 Weeks of Barefoot Walking, Neurosciences (NCBI), 2024.

 Grounding in Cyprus: Why It’s the Perfect Place to Start
Cyprus offers an ideal environment to integrate grounding into daily life. With its warm climate, beautiful coastline, and accessible green spaces, it’s easy to step outside and make nature a part of your wellness practice. Whether you live here year-round or are enjoying a seasonal stay, grounding is a valuable habit that requires no equipment—just a few quiet minutes with the Earth each day.