NaturismRE Official Public Statement on SHZ and the Role of Grounding in Fatigue Recovery

Category: SHZ and OH&S
Date: 21 November 2025

1. Introduction

Workplace fatigue is not only physical and mental — it is also electrical and neurological. Modern work environments expose the human body to continuous artificial stimuli, EMF fields, synthetic flooring, insulated footwear, and indoor confinement, all of which disconnect workers from natural grounding pathways. This disconnect increases inflammation, heightens stress, reduces sleep quality, and slows recovery.

NaturismRE affirms that Safe Health Zones (SHZ) must incorporate grounding — direct or indirect contact between the body and natural surfaces — to accelerate recovery, stabilise the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and restore physiological balance. Grounding is a scientifically recognised process that supports health, immunity, and emotional stability.

Grounding is not theoretical. It is measurable, physiologically real, and necessary for effective fatigue recovery.

2. Background

Humans evolved in constant contact with the Earth’s surface. Grounding naturally regulates:

• inflammation

• cortisol levels

• nervous system balance

• sleep cycles

• immune function

• circulation

• oxidative stress

However, modern workers spend most of their time:

• on synthetic floors

• in insulated shoes

• indoors

• exposed to heat and artificial light

• working surrounded by electronics

• fatigued and disconnected from natural regulatory systems

These conditions increase:

• inflammation

• irritability

• emotional volatility

• heat retention

• stress hormone imbalance

• chronic fatigue

• sleep disturbances

SHZ correct this through grounding pathways integrated into recovery spaces.

3. The Official Position of NaturismRE

NaturismRE affirms that grounding is an essential component of Safe Health Zone design and must be included in all SHZ environments to support fatigue recovery.

NaturismRE recognises that grounding within SHZ:

1. reduces inflammation caused by stress, exertion, and heat exposure

2. lowers cortisol, promoting emotional stability and mental clarity

3. supports natural thermoregulation through direct contact with cool surfaces

4. improves sleep readiness by stabilising circadian signals

5. reduces sympathetic nervous system activation (fight-or-flight)

6. supports immune function weakened by shift work and fatigue

7. enhances hydration efficiency through improved cellular balance

8. reduces muscular tension accumulated during long shifts

9. strengthens psychological resilience through calmness and relaxation

NaturismRE rejects the belief that grounding is “alternative” or optional. Clinical and environmental physiology studies confirm its measurable benefits.

4. Evidence, Rationale and Supporting Arguments

A. Inflammation Reduction

Grounding reduces inflammatory markers such as:

• C-reactive protein

• cytokine levels

• oxidative stress indicators

This supports fatigue recovery and prevents chronic exhaustion.

B. Cortisol Regulation

Grounding helps balance the cortisol curve, which is often disrupted in:

• night-shift workers

• high-stress jobs

• heat-exposed roles

Balanced cortisol improves emotional control, focus, and alertness.

C. Nervous System Reset

Grounding shifts the body from sympathetic activation to:

• relaxed

• calm

• regulated

This is essential for clear thinking after demanding work.

D. Thermoregulation Through Skin Contact

Direct contact with natural or conductive surfaces helps:

• lower core temperature

• release built-up heat

• reduce cardiovascular strain

Grounding interacts synergistically with minimal clothing in SHZ.

E. Improved Sleep Quality

Grounding supports:

• melatonin balance

• reduction of nighttime cortisol

• calmer pre-sleep physiology

SHZ grounding prepares workers for sleep after night shifts.

F. Reduced Muscle Tension

Grounding promotes:

• reduced electrical charge

• improved blood flow

• muscle relaxation

This relieves tension from long shifts.

G. Emotional Stability

Grounding reduces irritability, anger, and emotional volatility — critical for public safety and interpersonal interactions.

5. Social and Policy Implications

Workplace Integration

Grounding should be included in SHZ through:

• natural grass

• conductive flooring

• stone paths

• grounding mats

• shaded outdoor areas

Council-Level Support

Councils can offer grounding-based SHZ in:

• parks

• beaches

• community wellness centres

• shaded nature zones

Legislative Considerations

Grounding within SHZ should be formally recognised as an OH&S recovery method.

Public Safety

Workers who ground after stressful or night shifts exhibit:

• improved emotional control

• better judgment

• reduced fatigue-related accidents

Economic Benefits

Grounding reduces:

• burnout

• medical leave

• inflammation-related illnesses

• chronic fatigue disorders

6. Recommended Actions and Guidance

NaturismRE recommends:

1. grounding-integrated design for all SHZ

2. minimal clothing protocols to increase grounding effectiveness

3. the use of natural materials: wood, stone, soil, grass, sand

4. employer training on the physiological benefits of grounding

5. council funding for grounding-based SHZ in public areas

6. OH&S recognition of grounding as a fatigue recovery practice

7. research partnerships to further measure grounding outcomes

8. inclusion of grounding in workplace wellness programs

7. Conclusion

Grounding restores the physiological balance that workers lose through heat, stress, uniforms, artificial environments, and circadian disruption. It reduces inflammation, stabilises emotions, sharpens clarity, and improves sleep — all essential for fatigue recovery.

NaturismRE affirms that grounding is central to Safe Health Zone design. SHZ cannot reach full effectiveness without grounding integrated into their architecture and protocols.

Grounding is not optional.
It is required for true recovery.