Refreshing Ways to Stay Grounded (That Actually Work)

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Life has a way of making us feel as though we’re completely spinning in a million directions, and very often out of control while we’re doing it – there’s work, downtime, family, social commitments, hobbies, and we’re trying to do it all in a very unpredictable world where things can change in an instant. No wonder we feel overwhelmed at times. 

That’s why it’s so important to stay grounded as much as possible – it’s going to reduce stress and help to keep things calm. And yes, you could do things like meditation and journaling, but what if those things, and other more conventional methods, just don’t work for you? The good news is that there are plenty of ways you can feel balanced and centered that are a little more out of the ordinary, so keep reading to find out what some of them are. 

Walk Barefoot

Perhaps you’ve heard of this one before, but even if you have, it’s still quite unusual – we’re talking about walking barefoot, ideally in the grass. Now, this isn’t just a nice idea; there are actually scientific reasons behind why it can work so well. The practice is called earthing, and studies seem to suggest that when your bare feet are touching natural surfaces, it can reduce stress, improve sleep, and even lower inflammation, which has to be good! 

If you’re not sure about it, try thinking of it as a re-set button for your tired brain, and that might help. And if grass doesn’t sound good, you could always try sand, dirt (mud, maybe), or perhaps smooth rocks in a river (being careful, of course). If you can feel the ground beneath you, you’ll be able to stay literally grounded. 

Get A Pet

There are few things that can bring you back to reality faster than an animal that needs your attention – pets have the great ability to calm our nervous systems, make us laugh, and even help us exercise more, all while reminding us to stay present (which reduces stress). 

If you’re feeling chronically stressed or anxious, an emotional support animal might be the ideal thing for you. These are more than ‘just’ pets – they’re specifically there to help you, and they provide comfort, companionship, and a sense of stability, so they’re really fantastic. And if you’re not ready to commit to an emotional support animal, borrowing a friend’s dog for a walk or visiting somewhere like a cat cafe could be a good start when it comes to boosting your mood.

Try Some Sensory Tricks 

Sometimes the fastest way to ground yourself is to trick your senses into focusing on something that’s right in front of you or happening in the here and now, and there are a few things that people feel work really well. One thing you can do is to hold an ice cube, for example, or dunk your face in cold water, or try chewing on something really sour like a lemon. 

These things are basically little shocks to the system that can snap you out of your spiralling thoughts and bring you back to the present. If none of those things sound very pleasant, textures can also help – try running your hands over a soft blanket or hold a smooth stone in your palm, and that should help too. 

Conclusion

Staying grounded doesn’t have to mean following the same routines everyone else does. While meditation and journaling work for many, they aren’t the only ways to find balance. Sometimes, it’s the unconventional methods—like walking barefoot, spending time with animals, or using sensory tricks—that can make the biggest difference in calming your mind and keeping you present.

The key is to experiment and find what works best for you. So, next time you’re feeling ungrounded, try something different—you might be surprised at just how effective these refreshing techniques can be.