Grounding for the Spring Equinox in Saskatchewan: A Lifestyle Medicine & PhysioYoga Approach
Written by Kim Deschamps | March 19, 2025
As the seasons shift, so do our bodies. The Spring Equinox marks a time of balance, renewal, and transformation—but in Saskatchewan, spring doesn’t always arrive on schedule. Snow-covered ground and chilly winds can make it challenging to fully embrace the changing season. However, grounding—both physically and mentally—becomes even more essential during the lingering winter months. Limited sunlight and reduced outdoor activity can lead to increased stress, lower energy levels, and disrupted sleep, making it crucial to find alternative ways to stay balanced and connected.
What is Grounding and Why is it Important?
Grounding, also known as 'earthing,' is the practice of connecting with the Earth’s surface to restore balance in the body. While many associate grounding with walking barefoot outdoors, the concept extends beyond physical contact with the ground. Grounding is about reconnecting with nature, stabilizing the nervous system, and promoting overall well-being.
Scientific research suggests that grounding positively influences the body's physiological responses by regulating stress hormones, supporting the nervous system, and enhancing overall stability. Studies have shown that grounding can help normalize cortisol levels, reduce nighttime stress responses, and shift the autonomic nervous system toward a more relaxed state (Chevalier et al., 2015). Some of the key benefits include:
Reduce stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system. Research indicates that grounding may immediately lower muscle tension, improve heart rate variability (HRV), and promote a parasympathetic response, helping the body shift from fight-or-flight to a state of relaxation.
Improve sleep quality by regulating circadian rhythms
Decrease inflammation and support immune function
Enhance circulation and energy levels
Promote mental clarity and emotional balance
Even during Saskatchewan’s extended winters, grounding practices can be adapted to fit any environment. Whether indoors or using creative alternatives, small adjustments can help maintain stability and well-being throughout the season.
How to Practice Grounding Daily
Even when the ground is frozen, you can still experience the benefits of grounding by engaging in practices that calm the nervous system, promote relaxation, and foster a sense of stability in both body and mind. Here’s how:
Maximize Natural Light Exposure
With longer daylight hours, your circadian rhythm is naturally shifting. Support this process by stepping outside for fresh air and sunlight—even if it's still chilly. If possible, start your morning near a window with the sun on your face, or take a midday break outdoors.
Indoor Grounding Alternatives
Warm Foot Soaks: A simple bowl of warm water with Epsom salts or essential oils can mimic the relaxation benefits of natural grounding.
Weighted Blankets & Cozy Spaces: These provide deep pressure stimulation, calming the nervous system similarly to physical grounding.
Breathwork & Meditation: Focused breathing exercises help anchor you in the present and reduce seasonal stress. One widely used technique is 4-7-8 breathing, developed by Dr. Andrew Weil, which promotes relaxation and helps regulate the nervous system.
How to practice 4-7-8 breathing:
Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 seconds.
Hold your breath for 7 seconds.
Exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds, making a gentle "whoosh" sound.
Repeat for 4 cycles or until you feel more relaxed.
Practicing this technique regularly can help manage stress, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality (Weil, 2024). You can also pair it with a guided grounding meditation for added relaxation.
Movement-Based Grounding with PhysioYoga
While grounding is often associated with stillness, movement can be a powerful way to enhance stability and connection. PhysioYoga integrates gentle, intentional movement to deepen the benefits of grounding. Movement plays a crucial role in regulating the nervous system by encouraging relaxation, reducing stress, and shifting the body from a state of tension to ease. Research has shown that mindful movement, such as yoga and breathwork, enhances vagal tone, which is associated with better autonomic nervous system balance and stress resilience (Prosko, 2023). For example, gentle stretching and deep breathing can signal the body to transition from a fight-or-flight state to a more restful and balanced state, promoting overall relaxation and stability. Engaging in mindful movement, such as gentle yoga and breathwork, can help calm the nervous system, ease anxiety, and cultivate a sense of inner balance, even when direct contact with the earth isn’t possible. Kim Deschamps, our Physiotherapist specializing in Lifestyle Medicine & PhysioYoga, incorporates movement-based grounding techniques to foster connection and stability. Her approach integrates mindful movement to help regulate the nervous system, relieve muscular tension, and enhance strength, mobility, and balance—allowing for greater ease and stability in daily movement.
Key components of movement-based grounding:
Through movement-based therapy, Kim helps individuals calm their nervous systems, improve body awareness, and develop a greater sense of stability and connection to their surroundings. Her approach incorporates gentle yoga, breathwork, and intentional movement to cultivate awareness and support the body's natural grounding process. By incorporating gentle yoga, breathwork, and mindful movement into your routine, you can help regulate your nervous system, reduce stress, and feel more connected to your body and environment:
Enhance body awareness while improving strength, mobility, and balance.
Calm the nervous system and ease tension.
Support your body's natural alignment and adaptability, making seasonal transitions smoother.
Try These Simple PhysioYoga Grounding Exercises:
Seated Foot Awareness: Sit with both feet on the ground and gently press through all four corners of your feet. Focus on the sensation of stability and connection to the earth.
Standing Mountain Pose: Stand tall, engage your core, and distribute your weight evenly between both feet. Take deep breaths and visualize grounding energy flowing up from the earth.
Slow, Intentional Walking: Walk barefoot indoors or in socks, paying attention to how your feet connect with the floor. Notice the shift in balance, weight, and grounding sensations.
Breath-Synchronized Movements: Incorporate deep, diaphragmatic breathing with slow, controlled movements to enhance nervous system regulation and relaxation.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Balance
Grounding is a simple yet powerful way to support your overall well-being, no matter the season. Studies suggest that grounding practices, combined with intentional movement, can reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and promote overall recovery from stress and physical strain (Chevalier et al., 2012). By integrating small grounding practices into your daily routine, you can help reduce stress, improve energy, and feel more centered as we transition into spring.
If you're looking for expert guidance on integrating grounding into your daily life, Kim Deschamps can help you develop personalized strategies to enhance stability, mobility, and overall well-being. Book a free discovery call to explore simple, effective ways to feel more balanced and connected this season.