Grounding in winter - Your ultimate guide!

But it's too cold to ground - right!?

You may or may not have heard that grounding is an amazing "health hack".....but now that it's colder outside (and snowing in some areas) - you might be wondering how to get these important benefits without breaking the bank on "grounding tools".

Today's article will give you everything you need to know to ground year round (as I know I have some Aussie's and Kiwi's reading also 😉) using resources you likely have at home - that you likely haven't thought of - to help you receive benefits of grounding!

Grounding in winter? 

This is a question I get at least 3 times a week now that the weather has started changing a bit & the days are shorter.

First - let's do a brief review of grounding & the health benefits:

Grounding, or earthing, has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress by allowing the direct transfer of free electrons from the Earth into the body, which neutralizes free radicals and promotes healing. (In other words improves mitochondrial function & inflammation)

Research indicates that grounding can also enhance blood flow and sleep quality by stabilizing cortisol levels and improving overall circadian rhythm, thereby promoting restorative sleep. Furthermore, grounding has been associated with improved autonomic nervous system balance, which can lead to reduced stress responses and enhanced immune function, ultimately supporting overall health and well-being.

One more thing before we dive into the lists/ideas.....Conductivity can vary from person to person, and I always recommend a grounding meter (watch this video & check the pinned comment for the meter and further discussion).

What about grounding when it's not practical to be barefoot?

Grounding outdoors

First let's review conductive surfaces outside...

1. Soil
2. Grass
3. Sand
4. Gravel that is touching the earth
5. Rock that is touching the earth
6. Unsealed concrete or concrete with a water-based sealant that is touching the earth or a conductive surface
7. Unsealed brick or brick with a water-based sealant that is touching the earth or a conductive surface
8. Unsealed ceramic or ceramic with a water-based sealant that is touching the earth or a conductive surface like an unsealed cement slab
9. Bodies of water (like the ocean, lakes, and streams)
10. Living trees in the earth when you can make contact with the sap or when the bark is moist/wet
11. Living plants in the earth
12. Snow, snowballs
13. Metals connected to the earth (metal posts, many fences - etc)
14. Some concrete balconies & roofs are grounded (*test with a meter to know for sure)

Note: Wet surfaces will be more conductive than dry surfaces.

Non-Conductive Surfaces outdoors

• Asphalt
• Vinyl
• Plastic
• Tar or tarmac
• Cut wood
• Painted or chemically-sealed concrete

When it is too cold to ground outside you can still get electrons from touching any of the conductive surfaces with your hands or making contact through leather, natural fiber socks & clothes (especially silver threaded items).

You can also invest in some grounding shoes (these are the ones I have tested to be most conductive - code SKW10) to walk around in outdoors & I have many clients that will pour hot water on the ground to melt snow so they can ground for short amounts of time.

Grounding indoors

1. For these - I do recommend getting a grounding meter to test & see if these work for you.
2. Warm baths: water is conductive & laying in a warm bath is a great way to soak in electrons! Technically you need metal or copper pipes for this to work, but I have also had clients with plastic pipes that have tested & they are grounded in the tub.
3. Your basement floor: As long as you don't have flooring on top of the basement floor, there is a high likelihood that your basement floor is grounded! My bathroom basement has travertine tiling & is also grounded.
4. Washing the dishes 👀: Again - check with your meter to see if you are grounded, but many of my clients have tested (metal & non metal pipes) grounded while holding their hands under running water.
5. Hot tub: By National Electric Code - hot tubs are grounded including the water in it, as the heating element is in water and so you’re grounded when your body is in.
6. Take a shower: Same rules apply as above - but you are likely grounded when you take a shower!

Grounding mats - sheets FAQ

There are definitely products you can buy (click here for Dr. Koniver's store of safe grounding tools) - but there are a few things I like to mention.

If you are electrosensitive - use a dirty electricity filter from Dr. Koniver's site - or consider natural sources for grounding over indoor tools.

These indoor tools typically plug in and run on an AC current - which is contrary to the DC current our bodies run on. Many sensitive individuals I've encountered report feeling worse after using some grounding mats.

Grounding sheets are similar, and I have had a few clients rave about them (these are typically my clients that live in rural areas & run a grounding rod through the bedroom window to connect with the earth outside), and I have had clients report insomnia and anxiety after using them.

My personal opinion on grounding sheets is typically to avoid them - especially since many of them are made from vinyl, but if you feel better after using them - then continue to enjoy them.

In summary, if you plan on using indoor grounding tools I really recommend using a filter to covert AC to DC - or running a grounding rod into your yard. Want to learn. more on Grounding?

Make sure to catch Dr. Laura Koniver's talk on the Health Transformation Summit today! (click here to grab your spot)

Please feel free to forward this to a friend or family member who you feel could benefit!

In Health 🌞,

Sarah