Tag Archives: sleep

Are you Grounded, Earthling? Learn what Earthing may do for you.

Hello Earthling, are you grounded? I’m sharing some information that includes a big clue into the “secret” of Earthing, an instigator of happiness and health.

On almost any given day you’ll find me laying in the grass or enjoying a barefoot walk unless the weather doesn’t permit it. What I’ve discovered is that throughout the years I’ve intuitively been practicing something called Earthing or Grounding. For years, some have questioned the legitimacy, yet modern science is now tracking some of the benefits.

So what is grounding/earthing?

I’m so glad you asked! Grounding or earthing refers to direct skin contact with the surface of the Earth, through our bare feet or hands, or with various grounding systems. Many subjective reports can be be found in literature and practices of diverse cultures that walking barefoot on the Earth enhances health and provides feelings of well-being. No big secret, hey?

I remember my first brush with grounding. I found it to be both fascinating and helpful. Renown scientist, Dr. Myron Wentz, shared tips of how he overcomes jet lag. “Upon landing, I begin looking for a green patch of grass where I can remove my shoes and walk. This helps my body fall into the circadian rhythms of my new destination.” Sirens went off for me because there was a time in my life ANY information pertaining to sleeping better was high on the radar. And this small piece of information not only helped me overcome jet lag, it helped me to sleep better at night.

Grounding

My second brush with grounding happened when I was at my Doctor’s office for a yearly check up and blood work. Of all the books on the shelf there was one that seemed to be waving a red flag and calling my name. It was called Earthing: The most important health discovery ever! I thought it presumptuous, yet bold. As I thumbed through it, I gathered some ideas and felt it wise to become the guinea pig. I confess I’ve managed to bring others along in this practice (husband and animals too).

Earthing

After many years experience, I can confidently say earthing really works. I do feel an overall increase in peacefulness, better sleep, wellness. I suppose being a nature aficionado, I also benefit from the sound therapy of birds chirping and wind chimes, color therapy from different flowers and shades of green, and light therapy/vitamin D from sunshine. So it only makes sense that “Vitamin G”, what Earthing enthusiasts refer to as the grounding vitamin, as important. Oh, and I’m also taking the liberty to add gratitude into the Vitamin G mix.

Grounding/Earthing Benefits

The growing literature is challenging skeptics and gaining momentum in what is a remarkably simple, yet effective way to address the following issues:

  • insomnia
  • chronic pain and inflammation caused by disease or injury
  • autoimmune
  • exhaustion
  • stress/anxiety
  • premature aging
  • detox
  • and depression to name a few.

For the sake of forgoing more expensive medical routes, I’m challenging you to join me if you aren’t already practicing Earthing. Why not benefit from this ancient practice while perhaps simultaneously improving your overall well-being? If you need more validation, I’m throwing you a bone. You can read this.

Having a dear friend with a severe grass allergy, and health coach clients that live in a high rise and live far from a shoreline, I felt it important to research other grounding options besides walking barefoot in the grass or along a shoreline. Recently, I’ve purchased an earthing sheet which I’ll place over my mattress and a pair of earthing sandals on my feet. I’ll be testing them out before I recommend. Perhaps in the future I’ll share these findings with you!

Chime In!

Have you tried Earthing/Grounding? If so, have you noticed a difference? Or will you be joining me for a refreshing barefoot walk in the park?

 

 

Show Some Adrenal Love; Get Better Sleep

I’m fresh off the plane from a four week trip to five different countries in Asia. The old me would have been completely crashed out. Instead I’ve had some time to think about adrenals, how to get better sleep and horses. And yes, I promise it will all tie together.

Horses are known to be “fight or flight” animals. We humans are no different. Like horses, our “Flintstones roots” can keep us on edge. We may not be fighting off mountain lions and bears, yet we often feel we can come under attack.

Fast forward to now. Our bodies are put through the paces with modern day stresses like demanding schedules, traffic, and finances. Many of us are rushing to put fires out regarding our family or health. All of this signals our adrenal glands to work overtime juggling a variety of stresses.

how to get better sleep: reduce stress

The Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands are small V/Y shaped structures attached to the top of each kidney and part of our endocrine system. Their responsibility is to release chemicals called hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones affect many parts of our body.

You’ve probably heard about cortisol, estrogen and testosterone. Pay close attention to your adrenals because if you are combating stress, it’s important to take some simple action steps around protecting them; especially the cortisol levels.

Cortisol is needed to equalize stress in the body. It’s the chemical message in our body that says “Run for Cover! Hide in a cave! Go! Go! Go!” However, there’s a hitch, if the release of cortisol is constant due to continuous stress–what can result is adrenal fatigue. Fighting fatigue gets many of us reaching for caffeine in the form of sodas or coffee. I’m sure you see the cycle.

how to get better sleep: skip the caffeine

Clearly, being late for an appointment, getting a past due statement reminder, or caring for your loved one can cause stress but it’s not threatening our lives like a hungry mountain lion or bear. Nonetheless, that “fight or flight” tendency causes us to feel like a “Nervous Nellie”. We’re like that herd of horses hoofing it for dear life.

Our reaction to stress tricks and triggers our body into producing more cortisol than it really needs.

It’s a wild-eyed type of energy making us feel we must “run for the hills” to survive. And just when we think we can coast for a bit, what happens? It can be just about anything. It’s the weirdo with road rage, its the outlandish Vet bill you just opened, or a call that your little angel behaved badly. It’s burning dinner as if you’re offering burnt offerings to the Greek gods.

Houston! We’ve got a problem! Chronic stress can wreak havoc on the adrenals to the point of exhaustion.

For some, the overwhelming fatigue has the adrenals refusing to properly provide the energy and resources the body needs throughout the day.

Let’s not be ridiculous. If you are running on empty, knock it off already!
You are more valuable than a thousand mile-long to-do list.

I speak from experience.

Exhaustion, adrenal fatigue/failure is not worth it. Years back, I wanted to be and do it all. I was the opposite of Homer Simpson. I didn’t want to be the Underachiever. I wanted to excel. While I did excel, it cost me and my sweet little adrenals. Hence my proposal.

And of course, I experienced insomnia so what I’m suggesting are tips I’ve personally used and found helpful for better sleeping and showing some R-E-S-P-E-C-T to our adrenal glands.

1: Move your magnificent body.

Get into motion and you will sleep better having done so. I’m not suggesting you take up jousting on the back of a horse. I’m suggesting something like walking 20-40 minutes a day or biking.

how to get better sleep: get moving

2: Be consistent.

Make it a point to hit the hay at the same time every night between 10-10:30pm. Going to bed during these hours will give you prime time restorative sleep.

 

3: Avoid stimulants.

Skip out on caffeine and sugar specifically after 4 PM. Earn a Piggly Wiggly badge by weaning them from your diet to unnecessarily avoid spiking your blood sugar levels.

 

4: Create a restful haven.

Many of my clients report feeling exhausted. I’m not surprised when I find out their sleep environment is more like a bustling train station.

So here’s some ideas. Avoid having animals and older children sleep in bed with you. Pets and kids can sleep well without you. Just do some snuggling before counting sheep. Keep the bedroom cool so you can enjoy a “comatose” state of peaceful sleep. Why not try ear plugs, blackout shades. white noisemakers (like fans or humidifiers)? And, friend, don’t skimp on having a good bed and pillows. We spend a third of our life in bed, so get the best you can afford. While I understand some of this may not fit all of your life stages, do what you can to incorporate what’s possible.

 

5: Dance in the light.

When I first heard about “circadian rhythms” as a high schooler I thought it sounded like a cool band whose music I could dance to. Truth is, our body’s internal clock is sorta helping us get some dance steps down via brain signals. It tells us to sleep in the evening and wake in the morning. Light signals for our brain to be awake. When it becomes dark, our body begins producing melatonin signaling to our brain that it’s time to make our bodies a “snug as a bug in a rug” and sleep tight.

how to get better sleep: circadian rhythms

6: Go easy on the eats

Eating a spicy or large meal prior to bedtime can create a heavy load on our digestive system, making it a challenge to sleep easy . It’s best to eat three hours before bedtime for optimal snoozing.

 

7: Power off

Our body needs indicators that lead it into restorative sleep. This may take some discipline but it’s best to spend our last 30-60 minutes before bed in a calming activity like reading or better yet, sex (but only for the health benefits 😉 right?). Power down electronic devices whose light glows from the screens telling the brain to stay awake. If you encounter trouble sleeping, think twice before using electronics before bed or in the middle of the night. The idea is to get your body relaxed and tired not triggered to perform.

 

8: Be comfortable

Whether we sleep in the buff or wear silk p.j.s the point is to be comfortable. The bedroom should be a haven for two things only passionate rest and love. This is where you can decompress and de-stress. From cozy linens to wall colors, create a restful sanctuary. The less clutter there is, the better environment you’ll have for showing adrenal love and cultivating some righteous zzzz’s.

Get better sleep by getting cozy

Chime in! Let me know if you plan to pick up any new practices around sleep or if you have a tip for improving our sleep. Leave it in the comments below to share it with the community.