Every morning I start by taking a cold shower and then going outside to do some chi stretches while barefoot, watching the sunrise. I've been doing this for around 3 years straight now, and the natural energy I get from this routine is why I don't drink coffee (and honestly, I've never actually purchased coffee in my entire life lol).

The importance of grounding goes beyond just feeling good - when you make direct contact with the earth barefoot, your body absorbs free electrons that help reduce inflammation and normalize stress hormones like cortisol.

This natural electrical connection literally joins your conductive body with the earth's global electrical circuit, which research shows can improve sleep, reduce pain, and boost mood.

But the sunrise piece is equally important. The morning light - especially the red light at sunrise that comes without harmful UV - resets your circadian rhythm through your retinal pathways. This sunrise light essentially charges the water in your body, creating the biological battery that powers your day. It's giving your hormones the correct signal to start their daily cascade in perfect timing.

After three years of this practice, I can tell you the difference is very noticeable. Those first 10-30 minutes outside barefoot, absorbing both the earth's electrons and the sun's morning light, sets me up with sustained energy that feels completely different from any artificial stimulant. It's your body working exactly as it evolved to - connected to the natural electrical and light signals that regulate everything from your sleep cycle to your energy production.

And, it's completely free and available to everyone. Just step outside, take your shoes off, and let nature do what it does best. Ditch the $9 morning coffee at Starbucks.