Grounding Ourselves
Written by: Brooke Byers, Social Service Worker Diploma, Previous Placement Student – The Gatehouse
What is Grounding?
We can ‘ground’ ourselves in the present and remind ourselves that we are safe and that we are not in danger (The survivors Trust). Grounding also known as ‘earthing’ is a therapeutic technique involving activities that ‘ground’ or reconnect you to the earth, this practice looks at earthing science and physics to explain how electrical charges from the earth can have positive effects on the body (Lockett. E, 2019).
When to use Grounding Techniques?
Grounding techniques can be beneficial when we are experiencing overwhelming or distressing thoughts especially if the distress makes us feel unreal or detached, grounding can also help if we are feeling anxious or out of control. When we experience flashback, these techniques can help us when trying to cope by getting our heads out of the past trauma that we are fixated on and into the present which is our safety (The Survivors Trust). People who have experienced childhood sexual assault can often be confronted by flashback or even body memories, some can go to the point that they feel as if they are re-living the past abuse over again. Grounding exercises can help bring you back to the “here and now” instead of being in the “then and there” (Lockett. E, 2019).
Techniques to Try:
The first example of grounding techniques to try is: remind yourself who you are right now, say your name, your age, where you are now, say what you have done today and what you are going to do next.
“My name is _____, and I am 47 years old. I am in my bedroom,
In my apartment, in Etobicoke, Ontario. I woke up early today,
Had a shower and made breakfast. I just finished my coffee.
Soon I am going to go to work for the day. Then I am going to go to ____
Where I will be meeting with my friend for dinner…”
Notice 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can feel, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste.
In order to bring yourself to the present answer these questions and write down your answers; “Where am I right now, what day is it, what year is it, how old am I, where do I live” (The Survivors Trust). Weather depending, walking barefoot or standing barefoot outside regardless of grass, sand or water for 20 minutes a day can significantly help to ground one.
Benefits of Grounding:
Grounding helps to improve sleep at night as it assists in normalizing stress hormones. When grounding, mobile electrons from the earth making contact with the skin enters your body, acting as a natural antioxidant (Bem. N, 2019).
References
Bem, N. N. (2021, June 9). 5 healing benefits of grounding techniques. Goodnet. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://www.goodnet.org/articles/5-healing-benefits-grounding-techniques
Grounding techniques. The Survivors Trust. (n.d.). Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/grounding-techniques
Lockett, E. (2019, August 30). What is grounding and can it help improve your health? Healthline. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/grounding#takeaway