Is the practice of grounding helpful?

Grounding’s specific benefits are not supported by strong or conclusive evidence, though spending time outdoors in nature can support mental and physical health.

• Grounding: It means placing bare feet on natural surfaces such as soil or grass. 1
• What studies can establish: Some studies report positive effects, but the evidence is not strong, and it has not been sufficient to determine whether the effects come from electron exchange with the Earth, the tactile sensation of contact, or something else. 2 3
• Getting outdoors: Nature exposure has been associated with benefits such as improved mood and sleep and reductions in blood pressure and resting heart rate. Sunlight, exercise, and simply enjoying nature are reasons to spend time outdoors; these benefits do not establish a specific effect from grounding itself. 4 5