Returning to the Earth in these modern Uncertain Times
I've been thinking a lot lately about how disconnected we've become from the earth beneath us. There is a real science behind why stepping outside in the first hour of waking or before you've touched your phone, does more for your nervous system than most supplements I can prescribe.
I too fell into the habit of checking my phone soon as I opened my eyes. Scrolling with one hand while greeting the morning. next minute I was at the coffee machine still juggling with one eye! For a while now I have made the active habit of not turning on my phone until I am drinking my coffee. Instead I greet the morning, my husband, doggies and open the blinds. Wash my face and go out and turn the coffee machine on. While it heats up I walk outside and take in the morning light and breathe. The difference is measurable and I wont go back.
Our immune systems evolved in conversation with soil microbes, not sanitiser. Kids who grow up around dirt, animals and biodiverse environments tend to have lower rates of allergies and autoimmune conditions and the same principle holds for adults. Gardening, hiking, even pulling weeds does something a probiotic capsule can't.
Modern life has also pulled us away from natural light cycles. We wake to alarms instead of sunrise and stay lit up long after sunset, which throws off circadian rhythms that govern hormones, metabolism, mood and immune function. Morning sunlight is one of the simplest, cheapest interventions I recommend, it anchors your body clock and improves melatonin production that night.
There's also something to the sound of wind, the scent of soil after rain, the feeling of grass underfoot. These aren't just nice sensations, they signal safety to a nervous system that's often stuck in threat mode. Our modern lives can often be so hectic and overstimulating. Phones, computers, apps, emails, text messages, phone calls - it is alot some days.
Time in green space has been shown to lower cortisol and blood pressure and improve immune markers, which is part of why I often prescribe time outdoors alongside anything herbal.
I have spent years studying and know too well the grind of sitting behind a computer for an insane amount of hours. Now I see clients and many of them are at a distance, so telehealth is amazing for this but taking care of my clients also warrents alot of computer hours. I love my job but it is important for me to rebalance and connect again with the outside earth. Hear the bird song and wind, tune in to nature music and surround myself with fresh air and sunlight. Just a walk around the block or find some nature spots in your area.
You don't need to move off-grid to benefit from this. Walk barefoot when you can and listen to the birds. Get outside daily, even for fifteen minutes. Grow something on a windowsill. Eat with the seasons. Watch a sunrise without your phone in hand. The earth offers this regulation and medicine freely. We just need to remember to take it.
Are you based on the Sunshine Coast or anywhere in Australia? I offer personalised naturopathic consultations in person and via telehealth. If you're ready to explore the root causes of your health concerns and create a plan that truly works for you, I'd love to help.