Water Grounding: The Benefits Of Floating

By Katie Jones, Guide at The Green Spiral

Grounding Diary

Go to next section to skip my diary entry!

Scrolling through my business Instagram on a break with the faint hope of being productive isn't the most effective way to relax for 15 minutes, but it does pull my attention toward something else for a brief while.

Reels pop up, showing vivid, envy-inducing images of crystal-clear beach waters or pristine springs emerging from dense jungle landscapes—places in time zones I'd need 8 hours of sleep to adjust to. Despite how far away that feeling seems, it stirs an innate longing to float over something vast, anything, with lungs full of buoyant air.

A few weeks ago, I finally experienced that feeling when I visited friends in Florida. After moving to Massachusetts, I quickly learned that more research was required for the annual 2-hour commute to the beach, just to ensure the water wouldn’t feel like ice on my skin. I’ll get it right this July. But in any case, there I was, bobbing in the soothing waters of the Gulf Coast… all I needed was some kind of anchor to keep me in place, so my mind could continue to drift. Pure, unbothered bliss.

The water wasn’t even warm by typical beachgoer standards—68 degrees, a temperature most wouldn’t venture past their toes. But I was the only one fully embracing it, slipping in and out of awareness of how close the waves were carrying me to the shore.

That feeling was intoxicating, to say the least. It had been so long that I almost forgot how good it felt to be in the water—weightless and carefree. I made a vow to myself to swim as often as I could, to experience that sense of freedom and peace as much as possible.

Grounding in Water: Returning To The Body Through Flow

The concept of grounding isn’t new—standing barefoot on grass, pressing palms to bark, letting the soles of your feet reconnect with the pulse of the earth. But there’s something distinct, almost sacred, about grounding in water. It's less about stillness and more about surrender—about letting the movement hold you, rather than anchoring yourself to a point. The body knows this feeling; we’ve just forgotten how often we need it.

Science has started catching up to what the body has always intuitively known. Grounding in water can:

Reducing cortisol levels can be achieved surprisingly quickly when immersed in natural water. Even just ten minutes in a river or the ocean can lower the sympathetic nervous system's response, helping to regulate stress and anxiety. The calming effects are immediate, offering a fast reset from the pressures of daily life. Water’s ability to ground the body is a powerful antidote to modern stress.

Enhancing vagal tone occurs when water’s natural rhythms help stimulate the vagus nerve. This improves the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a "rest and digest" state essential for good sleep, digestion, and emotional resilience. The result is a calming shift that restores balance and helps the body recover from the demands of the day.

Increasing red blood cell flexibility is an emerging benefit of water immersion, particularly in mineral-rich waters like hot springs. Flexible red blood cells improve circulation, making blood flow more efficient and enhancing overall oxygenation. This subtle shift can have a lasting impact on energy levels and cardiovascular health.

Supporting joint health and reducing inflammation is another powerful effect of soaking in mineral-rich waters. Whether it’s the ocean or hot springs, the buoyancy reduces joint pressure while minerals like magnesium help soothe inflammation. This combination creates an environment conducive to joint recovery and pain relief.

Balancing the body’s electromagnetic field is made possible by water’s conductivity, especially in saltwater. The body is constantly exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from technology, but immersion in conductive water helps discharge these energies. This rebalancing act leaves you feeling more grounded and aligned.

Stimulating lymphatic flow happens naturally through the hydrostatic pressure of water on the body. This gentle pressure helps move lymphatic fluid, aiding in the body’s detoxification process. The result is a natural, full-body cleanse that supports overall health and vitality.

Start Close To Home

You don’t have to book a week at a wellness retreat in Tulum to access this, though the visual certainly sells the dream. Grounding in water can be done almost anywhere you feel safe to let go:

Tidal beaches at dawn or dusk, where the ocean laps rhythmically over your ankles and the sounds numb your inner chatter.

Forest-fed rivers, chilled and pristine, the kind you step into slowly with audible gasps and then never want to leave.

Freshwater springs tucked into hidden corners of places like Florida or Costa Rica, full of minerals and unspoken stories.

Still lakes at golden hour, when everything softens and your thoughts seem to melt into the reflections.

Even a quiet backyard pool, in the silence between neighborhood sounds, can become sacred space if entered with intention.

If seeking out these experiences seem foreign to you or you're hesitant to begin, you're NOT alone. Check in with our offerings to see if any of our current experiences or offerings peak your interest, or if one-on-one eco coaching is right for you.

Water Is Welcoming

To begin, you sincerely don't need much—just a willingness to be present. Start by finding a body of water that feels inviting, even slightly mysterious. Let your feet sink into the sand or silt. Breathe deeply, slow your thoughts, and step in with awareness. Notice the temperature. The texture. The light playing across the surface. Let yourself float or wade or stand still. Allow gravity to shift. Let your mind wander while your body finds its place in the current. There’s a difference between swimming and being held by water—this practice is the latter.

You’re not trying to achieve anything. Just return.

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