As uncertainty and isolation continue during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be struggling with the impact of anxiety on your physical health. New symptoms may come up and existing issues exacerbated by underlying fear and worry.
Grounding exercises — simple practices for connecting more firmly and deeply with the Earth — can be effective in relieving anxiety, stress and the fear of uncertainty. With very little time or space, you can ground yourself as often as feels necessary and feel more peace with what is.
You can do the first exercise in the morning as you prepare to get out of bed. Sitting at the bedside, plant your feet on the ground — barefoot is great — and put your hands facing down on your thighs. Sit upright and take a nice deep breath in. As you inhale, visualize the Earth’s frequency, that solid, nurturing, relaxing and calming energy.
Bring it into your physical structure as you inhale, and as you exhale, open your mouth, letting go of any agitation. Bring in another grounding, nurturing breath, and then open your mouth, exhaling any agitation or anxiety you feel.
Three grounding breaths are a great way to begin and end your day, and of course, you can repeat these throughout your day.
The second exercise is great if you have the opportunity to get outside. Even if you have just a moment, it’s worth it to step out and put your feet on the ground to really connect into the Earth's nurturing frequency. Take in the feeling of solidity, reliability – she’s firm, she’s not going anywhere.
By taking the opportunity to bring that frequency and grounding energy into your own system, some of that anxiety and fear may begin to dissipate, helping resolve physical issues that connect directly to your emotional health.
