By Lorraine Alexander
As life rapidly changes around us, have you ever wondered how WiFi affects our health? As we adapt, we can take steps to preserve our health and vitality. Summer is an ideal opportunity to rebalance with self-care and time in nature.
Boost your health with four simple practices.
1) Earthing
Back in 1998, Clint Ober found success when he developed effective grounding systems for the cable television industry. He soon pioneered the Earthing movement, after learning the potential of grounding to improve human health. Learn more about Clint Ober at https://www.earthing.com/.
"Earthing (also known as grounding) refers to the discovery that bodily contact with the Earth's natural electric charge stabilizes the physiology at the deepest levels, reduces inflammation, pain, and stress, improves blood flow, energy, and sleep, and generates greater well-being." ScienceDirect.com
Earthing is easy. Bare skin touches the earth: feet, hands, sitting, standing, walking, or lying down. Practice for 10 to 20 minutes per day or more. Web MD states, "There's no set amount of time when a person should practice earthing. In one study, a patient started to feel pain subside in 30 minutes." Read more: Web MD
National Library of Medicine
Inflammation, immune response, wound healing, and prevention.
A Study published by the National Library of Medicine shows the positive effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Read the study on the effects of grounding (earthing): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4378297/
2) Silent-Mantra Nondirective Meditation
Nondirective meditation feels like a calming oasis to the brain after screen-time exposure.
Science shows nondirective meditation produces a relaxing experience by increasing alpha and theta brain wave activity:
✓ Alpha Brain Waves (receptive, dream-like, wakeful yet relaxed)
✓ Theta Brain Waves (subconscious creativity, deeply relaxed, rejuvenation, abundant frontal and mid-brain activity.
Nondirective Vedic meditation offers a high-vibration mantra chosen for the individual and practiced with eyes closed in silence, a powerful combination. Practice twice daily (20 min. per session) for optimal benefit.
National Library of Medicine Increased theta and alpha EEG activity during nondirective meditation.
Read the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19922249/
TIP: Save time, and practice earthing while you meditate.
3) Forest Bathing
Japanese science began to study the positive effect of the forest on human health in the 80s.
Invite a few friends, and take a slow, mindful walk in the woods. Enjoy the natural health benefits of the forest. Forest bathing, known in Japan as Shinrin-yoku, means 'forest bath.' This practice is simple. By immersing yourself in the present moment, you become the observer. Notice what you hear, see, smell, and feel.
The link below offers ten positive benefits of forest bathing.
Forest Medicine is a new interdisciplinary science.
Science proves the positive effects of the forest on human health:
"Shinrin-yoku is like a bridge. By opening our senses, it bridges the gap between us and the natural world [1, 2]." —The National Library of Medicine | National Center for Biotechnology Center | Effects of forest environment (Shinrin-yoku/Forest bathing) on health promotion and disease prevention —the Establishment of “Forest Medicine"
4) Rejuvenating Sleep
Prioritize the restorative power of sleep. Make these three practices a nighttime ritual for optimal health.
- Wind down using the two-hour rule. Before bedtime, dim the lights, avoid electronics, stretch, practice yoga and meditation, or listen to soft music.
- Turn WiFi off when not in use.
- Be mindful of consuming caffeine, sugar, processed foods, or alcohol, as these interfere with sleep quality.