Wellness Gardens

When time is spent in an office or indoors day in and day out, some can lose that connection to the outside world. And that loss of connection can lead to higher stress levels and more health ailments without even realizing it. When that the gap between office life and outdoor life is bridged, quality of life - and health - improves.

By adding in simple garden tasks or small DIY home improvement projects to your to-do list outside of work hours, you can go back to reclaiming that connection. It can also help ease stress, keep you active and limber (garden yoga anyone?), and even improve your mood. Who could use a little mood booster?

If you are looking for a new outdoor perspective visit the Metro East Park and Recreation Districts Website for an extensive directory of parks in the St. Clair County area.

What is Grounding or Earthing?

In short, earthing or grounding is putting the body in direct and uninterrupted contact with the earth. This means that skin needs to touch soil, sand, water, or a conductive surface that is in contact with the earth.

From a scientific perspective, the idea is that the earth has a mild negative charge to it. Over time, especially in modern life, our bodies build up a positive charge. Direct contact with the earth can even out this positive charge and return the body to a neutral state.

Many people don’t have this contact with the earth anymore, and some experts wonder if this is a contributor to the (many) rising health problems we face today. As a population, we wear rubber shoes and live indoors. In theory, many of us could go years without directly touching the earth at all, even if we’re outside. Over time, the theory is that this positive charge builds and can lead to health problems.

And what an essential way to stay connected with the world around us. Simply slip out of your shoes and stand with earth for a moment of meditation. Be mindful of our connection with every living creature and plant that shares this exterior.