Sunshine, Grounding, and Counseling
As mental health awareness continues to grow, many people are discovering the value of combining traditional counseling with natural wellness practices like sunshine exposure and grounding (also known as “earthing”). Together, these approaches create a powerful support system for emotional balance, stress reduction, and overall well-being.
The Healing Power of Sunshine
Sunlight is a natural mood booster. When we’re exposed to the sun, our bodies produce vitamin D, which has been linked to improved mood and decreased symptoms of depression. According to a 2020 review published in Nutrients, low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of mood disorders, including depression and anxiety (Jorde & Grimnes, 2020).
Even just 10–30 minutes of direct sun exposure a few times a week can support your mental and physical health—especially when combined with outdoor movement or reflection.
Grounding: Reconnecting With the Earth
Grounding, or walking barefoot on natural surfaces like grass, soil, or sand, may sound simple—but its benefits are surprisingly profound. Research shows that grounding can reduce inflammation, improve sleep, lower stress levels, and enhance mood.
A study in The Journal of Environmental and Public Health found that grounding influences the body’s electrical activity and nervous system, leading to measurable improvements in emotional and physical well-being (Chevalier et al., 2012).
When combined with mindful breathing or quiet reflection, grounding becomes a beautiful way to regulate your nervous system—especially before or after therapy sessions.
Where Counseling Comes In
While sunshine and grounding offer natural benefits, therapy provides the structured support to address the deeper roots of your struggles. Counseling helps you process emotions, work through trauma, and develop healthy coping strategies with the guidance of a trained professional.
When you integrate outdoor self-care practices into your therapeutic work, the results can be even more powerful. Imagine processing your thoughts with your counselor, then taking a quiet walk outside to ground yourself and reflect. Or journaling about a session while sitting in the sun. These practices work together, not separately.
Self-Care
Caring for yourself means tending to each of those areas. Sunshine nourishes your body. Grounding calms your nervous system. Counseling supports your heart and mind.
This summer, consider how you can combine these practices to feel more centered, connected, and resilient. Whether you're starting therapy for the first time or continuing a journey of healing, know that hope is within reach.
Sources:
Jorde, R., & Grimnes, G. (2020). Vitamin D and depression: The evidence from epidemiological and intervention studies. Nutrients, 12(8), 2360. Link
Chevalier, G., Sinatra, S. T., Oschman, J. L., Delany, R. M., & Schoen, A. M. (2012). Earthing: Health implications of reconnecting the human body to the Earth's surface electrons. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012, 291541. Link