Do you recall the last time you went barefoot? I am not talking about walking at home; I am talking about walking in the open field.
In the past, when humans lived in forests, their feet were extraordinarily powerful; even a thorn would bend when walking, but since man made slippers, almost no one has gone out barefoot.
There are many benefits to walking barefoot. I will share with you 10 benefits of walking barefoot that you may find surprising. So let’s learn about the 10 benefits of walking barefoot in this article.
1. Improves Foot Strength and Flexibility
Walking barefoot helps strengthen the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your feet. Since childhood, we have been used to wearing shoes. Shoes provide comfort and support for our feet, which makes our feet weak. Walking barefoot activates the muscles that support your feet’ arch, improving your gait and making your stiff feet more flexible. Over time, if you start walking barefoot every day, your feet will become stronger and less prone to injuries.
2. Enhances Balance
When you walk barefoot, your feet are in direct contact with the ground. This is a unique sensation for your feet. Go outside and experience being barefoot. This place could be a grassy field, hot sand, or a path. Walking on the ground will give your feet a different feeling. All this will give your brain feedback about how the ground feels to you.
Walking barefoot every day will improve your balance and make you stumble less often. If you get into the habit of walking barefoot now, it will be like a health investment for your old age. Even then, your feet will be strong and balanced.
3. Reduces Inflammation
Walking barefoot can also help heal inflammation. The earth has a natural negative charge, and when you walk barefoot on the ground, your feet absorb electrons. These electrons act as antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals in your body and reducing inflammation. This can be especially beneficial for people with chronic inflammatory conditions.
4. improve sleep quality
When you walk barefoot, you connect with the earth and this beautiful nature. This gives you energy and improves the quality of your sleep. Studies have shown that connecting with the earth can regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, which helps you sleep better.
Walking barefoot not only improves your sleep, but it also helps your mental health by reducing stress and making you feel good. You feel calm and get a sense of mental peace. This is why walking barefoot can help you sleep very well.
5. Boosts Mood and Reduces Stress
As we have discussed in the previous point, walking barefoot improves your mood and reduces stress. Overall, our mental health is good. When you walk barefoot, you connect with nature, which reduces your stress hormones like cortisol. Not only this, but going out and spending time, especially in nature, can improve your overall mental health. I just want to tell you to spend as much time as you can in nature, walking on grass, running in sand, etc.
6. Improves Blood Circulation
Walking barefoot stimulates the muscles and nerves in your feet, which improves blood circulation. Good blood circulation will deliver oxygen and nutrition to your tissues and organs in a better way, which will keep your whole body healthy. You will feel agile and energetic.
Good blood flow in the body keeps both the body and the mind nimble, and it also helps to decrease varicose veins.
7. Promotes Natural Walking Patterns
If you look at your feet now, they will look very soft. This is because we have been wearing shoes and slippers since childhood. Shoes are designed to provide comfort for your feet. We have become used to it. Shoes with thick soles or ladies who wear sandals and high heels: wearing all of these causes difficulties such as foot discomfort and joint pain, and wearing such shoes alters our walking style.
Walking barefoot will prevent problems like joint pain in your feet and will also improve your posture.
8. how the ground treats your feet
Walking barefoot also lets you know the temperature of the ground. No matter how hot or cold the ground is, this is not a benefit; it is a sensory experience. By walking on the ground, you can feel its texture as well as its warmth. Try walking on a rough, rocky road once. It will feel as if someone is pressing your feet with his fingers. It will feel as if your feet are getting an acupuncture treatment.
9. Strengthens the Immune System
Regular exposure to the earth’s surface can help your immune system function better. Walking barefoot can help absorb electrons that are needed by white blood cells to fight infections and diseases so that they can function better. If your immune system is strong, you can prevent diseases and maintain your health more effectively.
10. Increases Energy Levels
And finally, walking barefoot can help you feel more energetic. The earth’s electrons help neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and improve general health. Many people who walk on the ground report feeling less worn out and more energized after doing so. Increased energy is a result of improved circulation, less inflammation, and more sleep.
If you're new to barefoot walking, here are some pointers to help you start safely.
Choose the Right Surface
You do not have to start climbing the mountain right away. Start walking on grass or sand first. This will not damage your feet or cause any problems in the beginning. After mastering all this, you can start walking on hard and rocky ground.
Take it Slow
As you begin to walk barefoot regularly, increase the time a little bit each day. For example, if you walk for 15 minutes one day, try walking for 20 minutes the next day. Start with a short amount of time at first, and then keep increasing the time. The longer you walk barefoot, the more beneficial it will be for you.
Listen to Your Body
Listen to the sound of your feet while walking. Feel your feet well. If you feel discomfort or pain, rest for a while, and then start walking again. You will feel a little uncomfortable in the beginning, but with time, you will improve.
Be Mindful of Your Surroundings
Be careful of your surroundings while walking barefoot; some thorns or sharp objects may hurt your feet, so walk carefully, do not walk in a hurry, and walk slowly, neither too fast nor too slow.
Keep Your Feet Clean
After walking, clean your feet properly, wash them with water, and remove all the dust and small pebbles from your feet. By doing this, your feet will not get any kind of infection.
There are many benefits to walking barefoot. I have included ten of the most impressive benefits in this top 10 list. So why are you waiting? It is a good habit. Take some time apart from your day to accomplish this. It is beneficial for you. It improves both mental and physical wellness.
The more you invest in your health, the more benefits you will get. Let’s adopt this good habit. I have been doing it for about 2 weeks, and I have seen a lot of benefits for my health. So let’s start together today and include it in your workout routine.
Good luck with your new workout journey.