Forget the latest superfood or expensive spa treatment—the newest wellness trend taking the high streets and royal palaces by storm is refreshingly simple and costs absolutely nothing. It involves taking off your shoes.
Queen Mary of Denmark has become the latest high-profile advocate for 'earthing' or 'grounding,' the practice of walking barefoot on natural surfaces to reconnect with the Earth's electrical energy. The royal starts her day with this ritual, a personal wellness secret that is now capturing the public's imagination.
The Science of Going Barefoot
Proponents of earthing claim direct contact with the ground can neutralise free radicals in the body, reduce inflammation, and improve sleep. The theory suggests that the Earth's surface possesses a subtle negative charge, and direct physical contact allows electrons to flow into the body, acting as natural antioxidants.
While the scientific community remains divided, with some studies showing positive results for inflammation and blood flow and others calling for more research, the anecdotal evidence is powerful enough to fuel a global movement.
From Royal Gardens to British Parks
The trend, once confined to alternative wellness circles, is now seeing a massive surge in popularity across the UK. Wellness influencers and everyday Brits are ditching their trainers for a few minutes each day to stroll through parks, gardens, and along beaches.
It’s a conscious, slow living response to our increasingly digital and fast-paced lives. The act is as much about mindfulness and a momentary digital detox as it is about purported physiological benefits.
How to Practice Earthing Safely
Intrigued? Before you kick off your shoes, consider a few tips for safe grounding:
- Start slowly: Begin with just 10-15 minutes per day.
- Choose your surface wisely: Grass, soil, sand, and stone are ideal. Avoid surfaces that could be hot, sharp, or contaminated.
- Be weather-aware: This is a fair-weather activity for most in the British climate!
- Listen to your body: It’s a gentle practice, not an endurance test.
Whether you're a sceptic or a convert, one thing is certain: Queen Mary’s daily ritual is a powerful reminder that sometimes the simplest solutions are right beneath our feet.
