The Power of ‘Earthing’ to Help Combat Anxiety in Children
The technique of ‘earthing’ or ‘grounding’ can be traced back thousands of years to ancient Chinese culture as a way of improving mental wellbeing by becoming physically close to nature. This connecting with the earth was deeply embedded in philosophical, medical, and lifestyle practices which overall contributed to a calmer way of life. In the 21st century, earthing has gained renewed attention as people increasingly seek natural solutions to the physical and emotional challenges of modern life. In our highly technological world, where we spend long hours indoors and are constantly connected to devices, the act of earthing offers a simple yet powerful way to counterbalance the negative effects of electromagnetic fields, stress, and sedentary lifestyles. With growing research supporting its benefits, earthing is becoming a popular tool for mental health, wellness, and physical healing. In schools, workplaces, and personal routines, people are turning to earthing to restore balance, improve focus, and reconnect with nature, offering a holistic remedy in a fast-paced, technology-driven world.
The concept of earthing is very simple and involves direct contact of the skin with the earth’s surface, creating a calm serenity in both body and mind, with the aim of rebalancing the body’s electrical charge. While earthing is often discussed in holistic health circles, emerging research and anecdotal reports suggest some potential benefits in other areas, especially in stress and anxiety management, including for children. In 2023 in the UK, around one in every five children aged 8-25 experienced a mental health difficulty. Whether through family conflicts, social challenges, media and technology, uncertainty and change or academic pressures, children can be faced with heightened levels of stress which affects their day to day lives.
I believe that earthing is an effective activity which can help children to ease their feelings of anxiety. For schoolteachers, encouraging students to be close to nature through earthing can be a valuable tool for supporting emotional and physical well-being in the classroom. By integrating nature-based earthing practices into the school day, teachers can create a more balanced, mindful environment that nurtures both academic growth and emotional resilience.
These activities include (but are not limited to):
Walking barefoot: Whether on grass, sand, or even mud, walking without shoes or socks allows the skin to touch the natural ground, which can provide earthing energy.
Lying on the ground: Instead of walking barefoot, children could also lie on the ground, allowing their skin to come in direct contact with it. You can do this on the grass of a school field for example.
Submersing in water: Natural sea or river water can potentially ground the human body in the same way the physical earth is proposed to. Perhaps a school trip would be appropriate for this activity.
As well as helping to ease anxious thoughts in children, earthing can also improve other aspects of mental wellbeing which creates a greater sense of physical and emotional balance such as:
Reduced stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels
Reducing sensory overload by creating focus on a singular activity
Improved sleep through regulation of circadian rhythms
Boosting energy and focus, possibly through balancing nervous system activity
Better blood circulation and heart rate variability, supporting cardiovascular health
To conclude, earthing can be a powerful tool for educators seeking to support students’ emotional regulation, focus, and overall well-being. Incorporating grounding techniques - such as outdoor learning, mindfulness breaks, or sensory activities - into the school day can help children manage stress, improve attention span, and build stronger connections with their environment. These simple yet effective strategies not only enhance classroom behaviour and learning outcomes but can also promote a sense of calm and safety, making the classroom a more supportive space for all students.
