An article shared by Science Direct has explored the benefits of walking barefoot.
And let’s face it, who doesn’t enjoy the freeing experience of taking your shoes off after a grueling day filled with stress? There is also a bonus part that details how best to put this into practice.
1. It rejuvenates the skin
It is highly important to give your feet the necessary breathing time, free from their shoe prisons. This will also prevent the storing of moisture and keep bad smells and fungus at bay.
2. It can help you recover from negativity
Barefoot walking is a great stress-reducer and it also boosts your respiration, pulse, and blood oxygenation. This natural action takes us back to our first years of life, which gives us an uplifting feeling.
3. It eases joint pressure
Human beings were designed to survive barefoot by nature. When you walk barefoot, your body adapts to it and creates a more natural alignment for your joints. Hence, some sports, such as yoga or pilates, are practiced with no shoes.
4. It’s an energy booster
It is well known that there are many nerve endings in our feet. They are crucial in some types of alternative medicine, such as reflexology and acupuncture. When you are in direct contact with the ground, you activate terminations, which give you an automatic increase in energy.
5. It stimulates circulation
Walking barefoot activates blood circulation in your arteries and the veins in your feet. For even greater circulation you can also try walking in cold water or wet grass. In addition, this will help reduce leg inflammation.
6. It boosts your defenses
Walking barefoot helps us be more resistant to catching colds. Since a cold ground causes the body to compensate by producing extra heat, this strengthens the immune system. Furthermore, these hot-to-cold contrast methods are known to treat chronic issues such as asthma and anxiety.
BONUS TIPS
- Walking on sand or dirt will work as an exfoliator and will help you free yourself of impurities.
- Playing sports barefoot will strengthen your muscles and ligaments. Some manufacturers have especially designed shoes mimicking how our feet move when we are barefoot, with the advantage of providing some protection.
- Walk barefoot for one hour per day (best to do so on natural surfaces), and if possible, on your toes and on your heels.
- Take good care of your feet because walking barefoot outside can cause your feet to get dry and rough in addition to accumulating dirt. So, good hygiene is key here.
We hope you’ve found this article helpful. Let us know your thoughts on the topic by joining the conversation in the comments and please share if you’ve enjoyed the read.
