Morning Grounding and Wellbeing: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Barefoot Grass Exposure Versus Routine in Office Workers

1. Introduction

Grounding, also known as earthing, involves direct physical contact with the Earth's surface electrons by walking barefoot outdoors or sitting, working, or sleeping indoors connected to conductive systems[1]. This practice has gained attention in recent years due to emerging research suggesting potential physiological and psychological benefits[2].

Previous studies have demonstrated that grounding may influence various biological processes, including inflammation reduction [2], improved sleep quality[3], and enhanced mood regulation[4]. The proposed mechanism involves the transfer of negatively charged electrons from the Earth's surface to the human body, potentially neutralizing positively charged free radicals and reducing oxidative stress.

Despite these promising findings, limited controlled studies have specifically examined the effects of brief morning grounding sessions on workplace wellbeing metrics in office workers. This population represents a significant portion of the workforce who may benefit from simple, accessible interventions to improve daily stress management and overall wellbeing.

Figure 1: Flowchart showing randomization of 120 office workers into grounding intervention (n=60) and control groups (n=60), with 4-week follow-up period.

2. Methods

2.1 Study Design and Participants

We conducted a randomized controlled trial with 120 office workers aged 25-55 years recruited from three corporate offices in metropolitan areas. Inclusion criteria included full-time employment (≥35 hours/week), primarily sedentary work, and willingness to participate in morning outdoor activities. Exclusion criteria included current use of anti-inflammatory medications, diagnosed sleep disorders, and pregnancy.

Participants were randomly assigned using computer-generated randomization to either a grounding intervention group (n=60) or control group (n=60). The study protocol was approved by the institutional review board, and all participants provided written informed consent.

2.2 Intervention Protocol

The intervention group performed 15-minute barefoot grass exposure sessions each morning for 4 weeks, between 6:00-8:00 AM before work. Participants were instructed to walk slowly or stand on natural grass surfaces in local parks or green spaces. Weather conditions were monitored, and sessions were rescheduled for safety during severe weather.

The control group maintained their regular morning routines without any specific instructions regarding outdoor activities. Both groups received daily reminder notifications via a mobile application to ensure compliance and data collection.

2.3 Outcome Measures

Primary outcomes included self-reported stress levels, energy levels, and mood ratings measured via validated daily surveys using 10-point Likert scales. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)[5] was administered weekly to assess overall stress perception.

Secondary outcomes included sleep quality assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), job satisfaction measured by the Job Descriptive Index (JDI), and physiological markers including morning salivary cortisol levels and heart rate variability (HRV) measured using portable devices[6].

3. Results

3.1 Participant Characteristics

Of the 120 enrolled participants, 112 (93.3%) completed the 4-week intervention period. Baseline characteristics were well-balanced between groups, with mean age 38.2 ± 8.7 years, 58% female, and average work experience of 12.4 ± 6.2 years.

Figure 2: Mean stress levels (±SE) measured daily over 4 weeks. Grounding group showed significant 23% reduction compared to control group (p<0.001).

3.2 Primary Outcomes

The grounding intervention group showed statistically significant improvements in multiple wellbeing measures compared to controls. Mean daily stress levels decreased by 23% (95% CI: 18-28%, p<0.001) from baseline to week 4, while the control group showed no significant change (2% increase, p=0.67).

Energy levels increased significantly in the intervention group by 18% (95% CI: 12-24%, p<0.01), and overall mood ratings improved by 15% (95% CI: 8-22%, p<0.05). These improvements were sustained throughout the intervention period and showed progressive enhancement over time.

Figure 3: Bar chart showing percentage improvements in energy levels (18%, p<0.01) and mood ratings (15%, p<0.05) in the grounding intervention group.

3.3 Secondary Outcomes

Sleep quality scores improved significantly in the intervention group (Cohen's d = 0.67, p<0.01), with participants reporting faster sleep onset, fewer nighttime awakenings, and improved morning alertness [3]. Job satisfaction scores also increased modestly but significantly (8% improvement, p<0.05).

Morning cortisol levels showed a more normalized circadian pattern in the grounding group, with appropriate morning elevation followed by gradual decline throughout the day. Heart rate variability measures indicated improved autonomic nervous system balance, with increased parasympathetic activity[7].

Figure 4: Morning cortisol levels showing normalized circadian patterns in grounding group compared to controls, measured via saliva samples.

4. Discussion

These findings suggest that brief morning grounding practices may offer a simple, cost-effective intervention for improving workplace wellbeing in office workers. The observed improvements in stress, energy, and mood align with previous research on grounding's physiological effects[1][2].

The mechanism underlying these benefits likely involves multiple pathways. Direct contact with the Earth's surface may facilitate electron transfer, potentially reducing inflammation and oxidative stress[2]. Additionally, the outdoor exposure component may contribute through increased natural light exposure, fresh air, and mild physical activity.

The improvements in cortisol patterns and heart rate variability suggest that grounding may help regulate stress response systems and promote autonomic balance[8]. This is particularly relevant for office workers who often experience chronic low-level stress and sedentary-related health issues.

4.1 Limitations

Several limitations should be considered when interpreting these results. The relatively short intervention period (4 weeks) limits our understanding of long-term effects and sustainability. The open-label design may have introduced placebo effects, although objective physiological measures support the subjective improvements.

Weather conditions and seasonal variations were not fully controlled, and the study was conducted during favorable weather months. Compliance was generally high (89%) but varied among participants, potentially affecting results. Future studies should include longer follow-up periods and explore dose-response relationships.

4.2 Clinical Implications

The practical implications of these findings are significant for workplace wellness programs. Morning grounding represents a low-cost, accessible intervention that could be easily implemented in corporate wellness initiatives. The brief time commitment (15 minutes) makes it feasible for most working adults, and the outdoor component may provide additional benefits beyond grounding itself.

5. Conclusion

Morning grounding practices show promise as a workplace wellness intervention for office workers. The significant improvements in stress levels, energy, mood, and physiological markers suggest that incorporating brief barefoot grass exposure into daily routines may benefit both physical and mental health.

These findings support the growing body of evidence for grounding's health benefits and suggest practical applications for workplace wellness programs. Future research should examine optimal protocols, long-term sustainability, and cost-effectiveness compared to other wellness interventions.

Given the simplicity, low cost, and apparent safety of morning grounding practices, this intervention warrants consideration as a component of comprehensive workplace wellness strategies aimed at improving employee wellbeing and potentially reducing healthcare costs associated with workplace stress.

References