Growing up in an age of many technological advancements, I’ve spent most of my time inside, whether that meant playing video games, texting friends or even just watching television. When I was outside, I would usually be wearing shoes that blocked me from touching the earth. The point being, I almost never sat down in the grass and just connected with the nature and world around me. I didn’t understand the impact that something as simple as earthing, sitting or standing barefoot outside, would have on me.

We are so disconnected from the earth and the health benefits that it can provide. As humans, our bodies have electrical energy, and, over time, we build up a high amount of positive electrons due to how much we use technology and the amount of time we spend indoors, walking on artificial surfaces. We have an imbalance of positive and negative electrons buzzing around in our bodies. The electrons haven’t been able to balance out because the shoes we wear usually have insulated rubber soles.

There are many subtle benefits to earthing, including reducing fatigue and also helping you sleep better. I have found that earthing at the end of the day really helps me relax and sleep better.

Everyone can earth; it’s an easy and simple thing to do. All you have to do is take a couple minutes to go outside, kick off your shoes and reconnect with our planet. I find that the best time to earth is at night because it’s quieter — you don’t have the daytime noises or distractions.

While some people might find this silly or a waste of time, it can do no harm and it doesn’t hurt to try. Even if you are one of the people who might find this silly, you should still take a moment to go outside and enjoy the fresh air. Earthing is just one way we can improve our lives by tuning into nature and its connection to our bodies.

Junior Margaret Mellott is a very down-to-earth person who loves expanding her knowledge of the world around her. She enjoys learning about the New Age movement, nature and how the world can benefit people in everyday life.