Looking for ways to enhance your health, wellbeing, and performance? Well, a simple
method might be just below your feet. Earthing, also known as grounding, is a growing
trend amongst the wellbeing, biohacking and elite sports communities as people become
more aware of earthing benefits.
So, what is it, and what are the benefits of earthing? Earthing refers to being in direct
electrical contact with a natural surface such as when you are barefoot on the grass or
swimming in the ocean. The earth has a slight negative charge, created by amongst other
things being struck by lightning 5000 times per minute. We humans on the other hand
develop a slight positive charge due to factors including diet, use of technology and even
breathing (the air above the ground has a slight negative charge). By making direct electrical
contact with the earth, we can resolve this electrical tension.
There is increasing research that shows earthing to have a wide range of health and
performance benefits, including:
- Reducing inflammation by neutralising free radicals
- Enhanced blood flow by reduced red blood cell clumping
- Better sleep by regulating your circadian rhythm
- Improved heart rate variability
Sounds easy, well it should be, but with our busy modern lives we’re often indoors, in cars
or wearing synthetic soled shoes when outdoors, all of which insulate us from the earths
electrical energy.
Does this all mean we need to start going barefoot and swimming in the ocean? Although
these things have their own benefits, they aren’t always the practical options, so luckily UK
based footwear brand Bahé have created a solution. Launching in 2022 with their first style
Recharge, Bahé have created the world’s first high performance earthed running shoe,
meaning you can receive earthing benefits on the go!
Using a series of conductive materials between the base of the sole and the foot, which are
tested to have the same level of electrical resistance as human skin, Bahé shoes are the next
best thing to going barefoot. And if you’re a runner, or wear training shoes casually, they
create a great opportunity to add earthing to your daily activities.
Here are five things you might want to add to your earthing regime :
- Earthing in nature adds so many more benefits, exercising in nature has been shown
to reduce stress, restore cognitive performance and even feels easier - As a rule of thumb, is it’s a natural surface, you’re likely to be earthed on it. Grass,
gravel, earth, and sand are great options, but steer clear of synthetic surfaces and
asphalt where possible - It’s growing in popularity amongst the world’s leading athletes and Erling Haaland
and Novak Djokovic are advocates of earthing benefits for its ability to aid recovery - You can even be earthed inside as some companies offer earthing mats and bed
sheets - As soon as you touch a natural surface you’re earthed, and spending as long as possible earthed each day is the best way to see results
Bahé launched with the vision of reconnecting people with nature for the good of the body
and mind. This goes beyond the benefits of earthing, Bahé design with green exercise at the
core of all they do. Studies have shown that green exercise (any physical activity in a natural
setting) can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve mood, and boost the
immune system. In fact, exercising in nature has been found to be more effective in
reducing stress and improving mood compared to exercising indoors. All that, and a better
view, not to mention the fresh air and much-needed Vitamin-D!
To create the perfect running shoe for all things green exercise, Bahé have designed the
perfect hybrd runner, ready to take you from your local park to out on the trails with its
ultra grippy sole, cushioned footbed and lightweight upper featuring water-resistant
panelling.
Green exercise doesn’t just have to be for the country dwellers and the effects don’t rely on
a stunning vista, just getting into a park or gardens brings many of the same benefits, and if
all else fails, you can bring some greenness into your inside space with house plants. Studies
have shown that having plants in your home can reduce stress and improve cognitive
function
In conclusion, earthing has been shown to benefit people via reducing inflammation,
enhancing blood flow and improving sleep, it’s a great excuse to get out into natural spaces
to also experience the health and performance benefits nature gives us. If you’re able to go
barefoot or swim in the sea, this is the best and most natural option, but to get maximum
time earthing, solutions like wearing Bahé earthing shoes is a great way to get those extra
minutes!
So what are you waiting for? The next time you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed or under
the weather, get some earthing in and soak up some nature or better still, why not
proactively take control of your health and wellbeing by adding earthed green exercise to
your routine today!! Ready to turn those moments in nature into something more?
