Do you know how to ground yourself when you are somewhere in the nature? Is it something you actively do? Or have you never consciously tried that before? I will share some of my favorite grounding techniques that I like to use in the Finnish nature. And yes, it does get pretty chilly in here, so my tips will work also in winter.
Urban and hectic lifestyle that many of us are engaged with might cause us drifting further away from the nature. Anxiety and stress can be present in our daily lives. Being grounded means that you are connected to the Earth and fully present. Have you ever exercised out in the nature but thought about work or other worries that you have had? I’m sure you have. That is why it is useful to take a moment to ground yourself especially in the middle of the nature. Your mind needs exercise too, not just your body.
Please note that these grounding techniques are only my experiences of mental grounding and connectedness to nature, and this is not any scientific approach to earthing.
The colder winter months can make it more difficult to stay grounded and connected to the Earth’s natural energy. But don’t worry, there are plenty of easy enjoyable ways to remain grounded even when there’s frost or snow on the ground. Keep reading for 10 tips to help you harness the grounding power of winter.
1. Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Getting outside is one of the simplest ways to ground yourself in winter. Go for a meditative walk in the woods, letting your boots sink into the snow with each step. Feel the crunch of the frozen ground beneath you, and notice how your body feels when you’re surrounded by nature.
Making snow angels and allowing delicate snowflakes to land on your face brings a childlike joy that instantly gets you grounded in the present moment. Lie back in the fluffy snow and feel its chill seep into your back and legs as you sweep your arms and legs to create your angel. Giggle as the icy flakes tickle your cheeks and eyelashes.
2. Get Near Water
Rivers, lakes, and streams don’t freeze completely solid in most areas. Seek out moving water and dip your bare hands in it for a quick grounding sensation. Pay attention to how the frigid water feels against your skin, noticing the tingles and goosebumps it creates. Then bring your hands to your lips and breathe onto them to warm up again.
You can achieve a similar effect by touching ice or snow directly. Press a handful of fresh snow firmly in your palm and observe how it starts melting from your body heat. Feel the cold spread across your hand then warm yourself back up by making a fist or sticking your hands in your pockets.
3. Try Grounding Yoga Poses
Certain yoga poses where your body contacts the earth can be very grounding. In the winter, try poses like Legs Up the Wall, Forward Fold, and Child’s Pose on a yoga mat or blanket spread over snow. The contrast of the cold ground beneath you and the heat building in your body from the poses creates excellent mind-body awareness.
For a more advanced option, craft your own grounding flow by transitioning between poses that require different body parts to press into the earth. Move from Downward Facing Dog, to Plank, to Hands and Knees to really explore grounding from head to toe.
4. Cook Warm, Hearty Meals
On frosty days, few things are as comforting and grounding as cooking up a batch of hot soup, stew, or chili. Chopping vegetables and simmering them slowly on the stove brings you into your senses and connects you with the earth’s nourishment. The smells and flavors of meals like beef stew, potato leek soup, or vegetarian chili literally ground you in the kitchen.
Eating these dishes links you to generations of people who relied on hearty, warming meals to get grounded during long winters. Feel your cold body soak up the warmth bite-by-bite. Chew slowly, and taste each earthy ingredient.
5. Wear Natural Fabrics
Clothing made from natural materials like wool, cotton, silk and hemp can enhance your grounding experience in winter. The fibers’ organic origins help transmit the earth’s negative surface charge into your body when worn close to the skin. Swap out synthetic thermal layers for wool long johns and tops to stay warm and grounded on winter hikes and activities.
At home, opt for cozy cotton sweatpants and wool socks instead of polyester fleece PJs to ground while you lounge. Pay attention to how soft and comforting these fabrics feel compared to artificial ones. Let them be a wearable reminder of your connection to the earth.
6. Cuddle Up Near a Fire
On a cold winter night, nothing beats gathering with loved ones around a crackling fire. Feel the radiating warmth against your skin as you sit close to the flames. Watch the glowing logs transform into white ash. Breathe deeply and let the smoky, woodsy aroma fill your nose.
The primal comfort of firelight evokes humanity’s ancient relationship with this element. Fire brings people together, just as grounding connects you to the earth and others. Sip hot cocoa or tea as you soak up the sights, sounds, smells and sensations of being near the fire.
7. Spend Time Barefoot Indoors
Going barefoot outside in the snow may be extreme, but you can still reap grounding benefits without shoes inside your home. Place your bare feet directly on the floor while working, relaxing, doing yoga, or meditating. Pay attention to how your feet feel as they press into the solid surface below you.
You can also stimulate reflexology points linked to grounding and calmness by walking barefoot on a wood floor or yoga mat. Focus on applying pressure to the balls of your feet, heels, and arches as you take steps. Let the soles of your feet fully connect with the simple pleasure of feeling the floor.
8. Soak in a Hot Bath
Draw yourself a hot bath when you need some solo grounding time. As you submerge your naked body into the steamy water, visualize your stress and tension melting away. Feel the warmth envelop you like a comforting hug. Soaking in a tub of hot water brings you into your body and into the present moment.
For an extra grounding boost, add Epsom salts, which contain magnesium that gets absorbed through your skin as you bathe. Magnesium supports nerve and muscle function for overall calm and wellbeing. Light some candles nearby and give yourself this relaxing, rejuvenating grounding ritual.
9. Get a Massage
Touch offers a wonderful way to get grounded, especially in the winter when people tend to isolate more. Schedule a massage session and notice what a difference it makes to have a practitioner’s hands pressing into your muscles. The combination of firm touch and the grounded presence of your massage therapist will leave you feeling relaxed and reconnected.
You might also exchange massages with your partner, friend or family member. Kneading each other’s tight spots not only grounds you, but also strengthens your relationship bonds. Trade slow, gentle strokes to give and receive this calming, comforting touch.
10. Practice Forest Bathing
The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, also called forest bathing, offers a powerful mind-body-nature experience. Take a meditative walk through a winter forest, moving slowly and quietly as you fully engage all your senses. Notice the look, smells and sounds of the forest in winter. Reach out and touch the rough bark of evergreen trees as you pass by.
Pause periodically to breathe deeply and “bathe” in the natural environment around you. Feel yourself relax as you wander peacefully among the trees. Let go of stress and open your senses to receive all the gifts and grounding energy of the forest. Shinrin-yoku requires no special skills – just your presence.
The chilly days of winter can definitely make it more challenging to stay grounded. But as you can see, you have plenty of options! Get creative and try out some of these simple, enjoyable techniques to remain rooted and centered all season long. The grounded winter peace you’ll cultivate will serve you well now and all year round.
The cooler weather is upon us and that means it might take a little more effort to connect your body with the earth during this season. It is possible though and we are here to share some of our favorite ways to ground when it’s cold outside.
Grounding, also known as earthing, is when we contact the earth and engage with the earth’s natural electrical charge. This can be done simply by walking barefoot on the earth or in the grass, submerging ourselves.
Why ground in the first place?
We are electrical beings meant to live in close contact with the earth and natural world but such of our modern way of living keeps us disconnected from the earth a majority of the time. The surface of the earth has a charge that our bodies need to connect with on a regular basis to maintain optimal health.
Research has shown a decrease in inflammation, improved sleep and blood flow, better energy and general well-being in those who are regularly in contact with the earth.
In the warmer months, grounding is hopefully happening for you on a regular basis. Shoes off, feet on the earth, river and lake swims, etc. In the colder months, we have to think about it more to make sure it’s happening at least here and there throughout the season.
How to Ground in the Winter Time | Dr. Janine
FAQ
How to ground in a cold climate?
Indoor Winter Grounding
If the idea of going outside barefoot in sub-zero weather feels too extreme, consider indoor grounding alternatives: Use a grounding mat indoors (these simulate the Earth’s electrical field). Stand barefoot on natural stone, tile, or concrete floors, as these surfaces are conductive.
Does sitting on the grass count as grounding?
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Healthlinehttps://www.healthline.comGrounding: Can Walking Barefoot on the Earth Heal You? – HealthlineFeb 28, 2025 — What the science says about grounding or earthing. Grounding or earthing is based on the earthing hypothesis. This proposes that because the surface…
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– Ecohappiness Projecthttps://ecohappinessproject.comDiscover the Mental Health Benefits of Walking Barefoot and EarthingMay 26, 2022 — In order to encourage this connection to the earth today, experts recommend we stand, walk, or lie on the grass, soil, or sand for about thirty minu…
Does grounding work through clothes in the winter?
As you are laying directly on the mat the electrons will flow through your clothing. If you have your Earthing Sleep Mat or Mattress Cover covered with a cotton sheet then it is advisable to have some skin touching your fitted sheet such as feet, legs, hands, back, etc.
How to dig ground in winter?
You can make digging easier by using water to warm the soil, so it is easier to dig through. This is an inexpensive way to help make digging easier in the winter than other soil warming methods and equipment. In addition to warm water, you can also use highly pressurized water to help you dig through the frozen ground.
Do we need grounding in the winter?
As it gets cold, folk stop grounding outside as much. But we need grounding even in the winter! Here’s how to do it:
How do you ground yourself in winter?
Wearing earthing footwear with copper plates or natural leather soles, and touching snow with bare hands and feet are just a few ways to ground yourself. Finding ways to get closer to the Earth indoors during the colder months will help expand your well-being and improve overall health.
Is there a way to keep grounding outside when the weather turns cold?
As we move towards the cooler months of fall and winter, my inbox always gets overflowed with folks asking me if there is any way to keep grounding outside when the weather turns cold… and even bitterly cold. Yes, actually, there are tons of fabulous options to stay warm while still grounding outside.
How do you ground a cold body in winter?
Feel your cold body soak up the warmth bite-by-bite. Chew slowly, and taste each earthy ingredient. Clothing made from natural materials like wool, cotton, silk and hemp can enhance your grounding experience in winter. The fibers’ organic origins help transmit the earth’s negative surface charge into your body when worn close to the skin.
Should you ground yourself indoors during the winter?
However, the winter weather can make it hard to be outside during the day. Research has shown that grounding can help with pain and inflammation, as well as your mood, sleep, and blood flow. That is why you should look into how you can ground yourself indoors, especially now that you probably need it the most.
How do you ground outdoors in colder weather?
Another way to ground outdoors in colder weather is to wear grounded boots or shoes – with or without grounding socks. Unlike most regular shoes, grounding shoes are specially made to conduct ground energy into your feet through the use of conductive materials like carbon, silver and copper in the outer and inner soles.