Have you ever thought about how relaxed you feel when you sink your toes into the sand at the beach or when you’re lying on the grass at the park?  It turns out there could be a scientific explanation for this. 

Earthing, also known as grounding, is the practice of involving direct skin contact with the earth’s surface or using conductive materials to connect one’s body to the earth’s electrical field.  While earthing has been practiced for centuries in many cultures, modern science has only recently begun to study its potential health benefits.  In particular, earthing has shown promise in improving mental health. 

Inflammation is well known to play a role in overall cognitive function and a range of mental health disorders including: depression, anxiety and Alzheimer’s disease.  A growing body of peer-reviewed research suggests that earthing can have a positive impact on mood, stress, and anxiety levels by reducing inflammation.  It turns out the Earth’s surface contains an abundance of negatively charged electrons which are believed to neutralize free radicals– subsequently reducing inflammation in the body.  When these electrons are absorbed into the body, they may have a calming and healing effect on the mind as well.   

One study published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health found that earthing can reduce stress levels and improve mood.  Using random assignment, participants were placed into either an earthing or control group.  The earthing group spent 30 minutes sitting or walking barefoot on grass or sand, while the control group did not.  After a 30-minute session, the earthing group showed a significant reduction in cortisol levels – a hormone associated with stress – and an improvement in their overall mood compared to the control group.  

Other studies have incorporated earthing devices to wear passively while sitting or even sleeping.  In another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, participants with chronic pain experienced a reduction in pain and improved sleep quality after 4 weeks utilizing an earthing mat connected to the Earth’s surface.  

Earthing is certainly not a cure-all, but it can serve as an easy, free, non-invasive therapeutic tool used in conjunction with other treatments to help prevent and treat dysfunction in the body that originates at bioelectrical levels of our physiology.  Although more research is needed to fully grasp how earthing works and its impact on mental health, the evidence so far suggests that this is a practice worth exploring.  

Venturing out into the rural countryside – away from noise pollution and urban environments – often enables us to relax and connect with nature.  Farms offer the ideal atmosphere and often large areas of pasture or forest to practice earthing.  Additionally, soil (not dirt) is richer in organic matter from animal waste and cover cropping.  This organic matter further enhances the benefits of earthing due to its increased conductivity of the Earth’s energy.   

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and staying on a farm could be a helpful step (pun intended) in the right direction towards a more natural approach to improving your emotional and psychological well-being.  From earthing to forest bathing to goat yoga – there is something for everyone to engage in on any farm to help heal our bodies and minds.  Though while you’re barefoot earthing on a farm, remember to watch out for the poop.

Reference and additional studies on earthing included below: 

• Chevalier, G., et al. (2012). Earthing: Health implications of reconnecting the human body to the Earth’s surface electrons. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012, 291541. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/291541
• Murray, D. (2021, October 18). What Is Grounding or Earthing? Can It Help Improve Your Health? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/grounding#the-science
• Ghaly, M., & Teplitz, D. (2020). The biologic effects of grounding the human body during sleep as measured by cortisol levels and subjective reporting of sleep, pain, and stress. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 17(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2019-0053
• National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Homeostasis. In NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. Retrieved May 1, 2023, from https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/homeostasis
• Ober, C., Sinatra, S. T., & Zucker, M. (2010). Earthing: The most important health discovery ever? Basic Health Publications, Inc.
• Oschman, J. L. (2007). Can electrons act as antioxidants? A review and commentary. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(9), 955-967. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2007.7048
• Oschman, J. L., et al. (2015). The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Journal of Inflammation Research, 8, 83-96. https://doi.org/
• Sharma, H., & Zhang, X. (2019). Effectiveness of Earthing (Grounding) in Promoting Health: A Literature Review. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 16(3), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2018-0030
• Sokal, K., & Sokal, P. (2015). Earthing the human body influences physiologic processes. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 21(5), 301-308. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2014.0023

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It can be difficult to say goodbye to your new “farm family” when vacation is over. You want to hang on to that feeling – the connection and quietude.

Farmers are sharing their daily lives with increasing frequency via social media, and one of our favorite ways to see what they’re up to is to follow on Instagram. Here, in no particular order, are six more farms or ranches (with farm stays) to follow on Instagram right now!

1. ABC Acres in Hamilton, Montana

ABC Acres uses their Instagram feed to show off their gorgeous land, from endless skies and mountain vistas, right down to the earthworms in the pasture and everything between the two.

See their profile on Farm Stay USA: ABC Acres

2. Blind Buck Valley Farmstead in Salem, New York

Blind Buck Valley Farmstead provides lots of little glimpses into life on their farm, like their beautiful location, the 18th century farmhouse accommodations, chickens and eggs, and happy kids (human and goat).

See their profile on Farm Stay USA: Blind Buck Valley Farmstead

3. Hillside Homestead in Suttons Bay, Michigan

Food historian Susan Odom has created something unique at Hillside Homestead. Follow along on Instagram for photos of farm animals, woodstove cooking (and bread baking!), and projects around the farm.

See their profile on Farm Stay USA: Hillside Homestead

4. Dogwood Hills Guest Farm in Harriet, Arkansas

Here’s a farm that’s proud of their state – check out one of the hashtags they use, #wonderfularkansas. Dogwood Hills shares a mix of photos from around the farm and various activities relating to agritourism.

See their profile on Farm Stay USA: Dogwood Hills Guest Farm

5. The Inn at East Hill Farm in Troy, New Hampshire

East Hill Farm has a long and fascinating history in New Hampshire. Of all the farm stays listed here at Farm Stay USA, they can accommodate the most guests (140) and their inn has been a destination for families since cottages were built after World War II. Their photos provide a glimpse of activities and inquisitive animals.

See their profile on Farm Stay USA: The Inn at East Hill Farm

6. Serenity Sheep Farm Stay in Belgrade, Montana

Another one from #bigskycountry! We love the photos of the covered wagon guest accommodations, but all the shots of animals and wool-related activities are equally enjoyable.

See their profile on Farm Stay USA: Serenity Sheep Farm Stay

Hope you’ve discovered some new favorites here!

Also, be sure to follow Farm Stay USA on Instagram. We mostly re-gram from our farm stay members, so it’s a great way to find new places to add to your must-visit list.

The post Six (More) Farm Stays to Follow on Instagram Right Now appeared first on Farmstay.

That led us to learning more about The Urban Farm – a wonderful website devoted to promoting sustainable gardening and permaculture design.

At Urban Farm U we provide the inspiration, knowledge, and tools that promote and encourage healthy lives and environments so you can pursue your goals and dreams of a healthier life with a community of people who care.

We especially like all the information to be found on their blog and via their podcast! If you’re not a farmer already and would like to get started growing food in your own urban space, or if you’re a gardener who wants to discover more about permaculture theories and techniques, give them a look.

After Greg heard about Farm Stay USA from Ruth and Grace, our founder and Executive Director, Scottie Jones, also had a chance to be a guest on the podcast. You can listen to both episodes below.

The post Listen: The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson appeared first on Farmstay.

Farmers are sharing their daily lives with increasing frequency via social media, and one of our favorite ways to see what they’re up to is to follow on Instagram. Here, in no particular order, are six farms (with farm stays) to follow on Instagram right now!

1. Toddy Pond Farm in Monroe, Maine

Sharing a mix of photos from animals, to farm projects, to products available for sale (dying to try their yogurt!), Toddy Pond Farm gives you a great glimpse into their diversified family farm and micro dairy.

See their listing on Farm Stay USA: Toddy Pond Farm

2. Rancho Dos Amantes in Paso Robles, California

This one is – so far – for all the wedding daydreamers out there. The Instagrammers at this beautiful central California wine country farm have focused their lenses on the happy couples and pastoral ambiance of farm stay weddings.

Since writing this post, Rancho Dos Amantes has gone up for sale and is not hosting farm stays.

3. Stillwaters Farm in Henderson, Tennessee

Follow along with farm stay host Valeria as she furnishes an Airstream glamping trailer, builds and furnishes a bath house for guests, or makes soap for her on-farm shop. Also making appearances are the livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) and the gorgeous Tennessee farm scenery.

See their listing on Farm Stay USA: Stillwaters Farm

4. The Inn at Crippen Creek Farm in Skamokawa, Washington

The photos posted on this Instagram account are alllllll about the food. Hosts Don and Kitty Speranza are professional chefs who now operate a 15 acre working farm. Holy cannoli!

See their Farm Stay USA listing: The Inn at Crippen Creek Farm

5. Inn at Valley Farms in Walpole, New Hampshire

The Inn at Valley Farms posts a little bit of everything. Weddings, farm animals, scenery, mushrooms. You’ll easily experience every season on this working organic farm via Instagram.

See their Farm Stay USA listing: Inn at Valley Farms

6. Stony Creek Farmstead in Walton, New York

“Let your family free range” is the hashtag you’ll find on many of the photos from Stony Creek Farmstead. The animals aren’t the only ones who get to free-range! Here you’ll find farm stay guests helping out with the chores, photos of the “plush-rustic” platform tents, farm hands, barn kitties, and more.

See their Farm Stay USA listing: Stony Creek Farmstead

This is a start, but by no means the only farm stays on Instagram. We’ll definitely have another post coming up soon, with even more accounts to follow! Meanwhile, make sure you also follow Farm Stay USA on Instagram! We mostly re-gram from our farm stay members, so it’s a great way to find new places to add to your must-visit lists.

The post Six Farm Stays to Follow on Instagram appeared first on Farmstay.