I wrote in a recent post just how much I like to be outside, especially to be barefoot. I always just feel so much more relaxed and calm, and it rebalances me, when I am walking barefoot through the lawn: feeling the blades of grass as they come up between my toes or they tickle the bottom of my foot, the smell of the dirt below and how it feels as I just stop and let my feet seem to turn into roots, as I wiggle my toes and feel the grass and dirt around and under them.

I was listening to a recent episode of The Survival Podcast, and Jack Spiro was interviewing Benjamin Page, who is a chiropractor. Benjamin was talking about human’s connection to soil, and dirt. Towards the end of the interview, he discussed grounding, which I have described above. And there is actually science that backs up my feelings!

As the “Safer at Home” and “Shelter in Place” orders continue to get extended, and some cities get more militant about ensuring people stay home, I just keep thinking about grounding, and how important it is. Benjamin discussed how important it is to be out in the dirt, playing, planting, gardening, etc., to build up your immune system. For those who are not allowed to even leave their homes, they are putting themselves more at risk of getting sick, and not just from COVID-19. When you do not expose yourself to everyday viruses and bacteria, you are weakening your immune system, and become more likely to get extremely sick when you do get exposed again.

As some states have lessened up their restrictions, we are seeing more cases of COVID-19 pop up, which does not surprise me. 1) Staying at home, not exposing yourself to any type of bacteria, your immune system is weakened and unable to properly fight off anything. 2) More people are out and about, which means more people are likely to get ill, or spread the disease (it’s common sense, man).

Back to grounding, though. I am not one of those mothers who has to keep everything sanitized, using antibacterial soap, etc. I’ve never been a fan of the antibacterial soap to begin with; when I did use it, I was sick all the dang time. If Little Man drops his food on the floor, I have no qualms in picking it up, dusting off any hair or whatnot that is on it, and giving it to him to eat. This drives my in-laws insane; they would live in a sanitized bubble if they could. I don’t see a need to wash up completely after we’ve been outside; the more exposure we’ve had to everything, the better, in my opinion. Now, if we are all muddy and completely covered in dirt, that is a different story, but just being outside, going for a walk, Little Man pushing his trucks through the lawn, I don’t see any need to go inside and scrub down completely. I’ll just do a once-over for ticks and call it a day.

I wish I could go barefoot outside here. The sandy soil is just not what I am looking for or need. Add in the numerous ant hills, and I’m keeping my super thin flats on. I can still feel the ground through them, but it’s not the same as being barefoot. Plus, I’m allergic to ant bites, and I really don’t want to have to deal with that anytime soon. It is not at all comfortable. So, I settle for being barefoot on the patio, and I’m working on slowly venturing farther and farther onto the driveway (it’s gravel, so I’ve got to build up those calluses!) sans footwear.

The reality is, any time outside is better than nothing You get the benefits of the Vitamin D from the sun, and the fresh air not only invigorates you, but it also ensures you will have an easier time falling and staying asleep that evening. So get out there, take off your shoes if you can, and really enjoy being in the great outdoors! YOur immune system will thank you.