In our increasingly digital age, we often find ourselves disconnected from nature, spending long hours indoors, glued to screens. This disconnect can have detrimental effects on our physical and mental health. Fortunately, there’s a simple yet powerful practice that can help us reconnect with the Earth and improve our well-being: grounding, or earthing.
My Arbor in Italy is a wellness hotel that has a unique and innovative concept that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. It’s designed to offer a truly immersive forest experience, where guests can connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of the woods. We spoke with Alexandra Huber, Owner of My Arbor in Italy to tell us more about grounding.
What is Grounding?
Grounding refers to the practice of connecting with nature and oneself, especially through direct contact with the forest and our surroundings. It’s a way to balance energy, relieve stress, and create a sense of peace and longing. My Arbor emphasises grounding as a holistic wellness practice, encouraging guests to connect with their surroundings, whether by walking barefoot in the forest, smelling the pure and fresh air, or relaxing in the wellness area. At My Arbor this is a journey that involves all five senses, where the individual should come to rest.
What are the effects of Grounding?
Grounding can offer various benefits, including improved mood, reduced inflammation, better sleep, and an overall sense of mental clarity. By grounding, you may feel more present, balanced, and revitalised.
How often do we need to Ground ourselves?
There’s no set frequency, but incorporating grounding daily or weekly can be beneficial. At My Arbor, grounding practices are integrated into daily activities, so you can ground yourself as often as you like—taking a mindful walk, practicing yoga, enjoying a sauna infusion, or simply being present in the serene natural surroundings. The goal is to connect regularly to sustain those grounding benefits.
How long should I ground each day?
Even just 5–10 minutes of grounding can make a noticeable difference in your well-being, but at My Arbor, we encourage guests to take as much time as they need. Whether it’s a short daily practice or a longer immersion in nature, the key is consistency. Spending time each day connecting with nature can have lasting benefits for mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall health.
My Arbor uses a tree and forest concept which is very unique – can you tell us about that?
At My Arbor, the tree concept goes beyond decor—it’s a philosophy that connects every aspect of the guest experience to nature. The design, layout, and ambiance all draw inspiration from the surrounding forest, creating a tranquil, immersive environment that feels like an extension of the outdoors. The hotel itself is perched among the trees, symbolising strength, balance, and growth. By integrating natural elements and encouraging guests to engage with the forest, My Arbor fosters a profound sense of grounding and rejuvenation, making each stay not just a retreat, but a true communion with nature.
How does My Arbor incorporate grounding into its programmes?
Grounding is woven into every aspect of My Arbor’s wellness offerings. From guided forest bathing and hikes to mindfulness practices that encourage connection with nature, our programs aim to help guests tune into the natural world. We emphasise grounding as a way to restore inner peace, reduce stress, and connect more deeply with oneself.
How do you practice grounding?
Grounding can be as simple as taking a moment to pause, breathe, and connect with your surroundings. At My Arbor, we often recommend starting with a mindful walk through the forest, where you focus on the sights, sounds, and textures around you. Walking barefoot on natural surfaces, touching the bark of a tree, or even standing still with closed eyes can help re-establish that connection to the earth. It’s about becoming present and letting nature guide you back to balance.
What is a grounding technique that you use – can you tell us about this?
One of our favourite grounding techniques is the “tree visualisation” exercise. Imagine yourself as a tree with roots extending deep into the earth. As you stand still, feel those roots anchoring you firmly, providing stability and balance. This technique, particularly when done in a forest setting, can create an immediate sense of calm and connection. It’s a simple yet powerful way to let go of stress and centre yourself.
Forest Bathing is an interesting part of your sports and exercise programme – what’s involved with this?
Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a practice that involves immersing oneself in the forest atmosphere, taking in the sights, sounds, and scents with intention and mindfulness. At My Arbor, our forest bathing experiences are guided to help guests slow down, observe, and experience nature in a way that enhances both physical and mental well-being. It’s less about exertion and more about presence—allowing the forest to become a space for rejuvenation and connection. This practice has been shown to reduce stress, boost mood, and improve overall health, making it a unique and powerful part of our wellness program.
Why choose a grounding hotel?
Choosing a grounding hotel like My Arbor is about prioritising your wellbeing in a holistic way. In our fast-paced world, finding a space that encourages you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature is invaluable. A grounding hotel offers an environment designed to reduce stress, encourage relaxation, and foster a sense of inner peace—benefits that last long after you return home. My Arbor provides this sanctuary, making grounding not just an activity, but a way of life during your stay.
Types of Grounding or Earthing
There are many types of grounding. All of them focus on reconnecting yourself to the earth. This can be achieved through direct contact with the ground, such as walking barefoot, or indirectly, using grounding mats or conductive bedding.
Walking barefoot
Ever felt the urge to run barefoot on a summer’s day? Grounding yourself through direct contact with the Earth, whether it’s grass, sand, or even mud, can be incredibly energising.
Whether it’s the soft touch of grass, the warmth of sand, or the grounding energy of mud, direct contact with the Earth can be incredibly rejuvenating.
Lying on the ground
You can increase your skin-to-earth contact by lying on the ground. You can do it in the grass by the park or on the sand at the beach. If you’re going to ground yourself in this way, be sure to take the proper precautions and never lie somewhere you could be injured.
Submersing in water
Some believe that water, like the Earth, can be used for grounding. Wading in a clear lake or swimming in the ocean are suggested methods. However, always prioritise safety, especially in unfamiliar or deep waters.
About My Arbor
My Arbor is a unique, adults-only, 5-star wellness hotel located in the Italian Alps. It’s known for its distinctive treehouse-like design, offering stunning views of the Dolomites. The hotel prioritises guest relaxation and personal well-being, encouraging guests to unwind and rejuvenate at their own pace.
Key aspects of the forest and tree concept at My Arbor:
- Treetop Retreats: The hotel’s rooms are built on stilts, elevating guests above the forest floor. This design allows for unobstructed views of the surrounding nature and minimises the hotel’s impact on the environment.
- Harmony with Nature: The architecture and design of the hotel are inspired by the natural forms and materials of the forest. The use of wood and other natural materials creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements the outdoor setting.
- Sustainable Practices: The hotel is committed to sustainable practices and aims to minimise its ecological footprint. This includes energy-efficient design, waste reduction, and the use of local and organic products.
- Forest Activities: Guests can enjoy a variety of activities that connect them with the forest, such as hiking, biking, and forest bathing. The hotel also offers guided nature walks and workshops on forest therapy.
My Arbor offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience for nature lovers and wellness seekers by integrating the forest into the very fabric of the hotel.
If you are interested in transforming your own health, browse all of our Wellness Retreats or speak to one of our travel specialists through WhatsApp or our online enquiry form to beginning planning a retreat.