Who doesn’t like to spend time with nature feeling fresh air and chirping of birds in the morning? Starting your morning on a fresh note can help you kick-start your day with a bang! Going for early morning walks soaking the sunlight and feeling of the fresh grass when walking barefoot can take you to a trans! If you can visualize these morning scenes, then it’s time to head to a nearby park, remove your shoes and enjoy your morning walk as you breathe fresh air and get relaxed. Wondering why walking barefoot? Read this!
Walking Barefoot: Why And How To Do It?
Walking through the grass barefoot, commonly known as “earthing” or “grounding” is a simple yet nourishing practice. It not only enables you to relate to the natural energy of the earth but also helps to ground you, center you and clear your mind of negativity. This uplifting practice regenerates your whole body and can be done as often as you would like it. It makes you feel relieved and happy and is among the best exercises for healthy living.
Simply put, there is no specific guideline on how to walk barefoot. All you have to do is simply go to a park, preferably in the morning when the grass is still wet from the night air and start walking. Take off your shoes and spend some time treading the wet grass on your bare feet. Walk slowly, bringing your attention to your feet connecting to the earth, while feeling the dampness of the grass on your feet. Feel the sun on your back, face and hair.
Health Benefits Of Walking Barefoot
It is indeed true that when you walk barefoot there happens to be a connection with the earth’s natural energy. So, when this exchange of energy happens between you and earth, it sort of cleanses all your negative energies and thoughts. This is not it, there are some amazing health benefits of walking on grass you should know about! Walking barefoot..
1. Reduces pain and inflammation
Grounding is an easy and all-natural way to deal with swelling and inflammation caused due to injuries. Walking barefoot on grass stimulates almost an immediate action to get rid of inflammation. And when inflammation is reduced, oxygenated blood flows more freely and efficiently which makes you heal faster. With improved circulation, the blood carries the health-restorative nutrients to the farthest and minutest corners of the body and promotes faster recovery [1].
2. Improves the body’s sleep cycle
Recent studies[3] have shown positive effects of walking barefoot on grass towards a deeper and more restful sleep. A bit of earthing can help stabilize your body clock by improving the consistency of your circadian rhythm and maintain a healthy sleep-wake cycle. Physical contact with the earth’s surface helps reduce the level of the stress hormone, cortisol, in the body, thereby promoting sound sleep.
3. Relieves stress
Walking barefoot on grass, especially in the morning, helps rejuvenate and calm your senses and mind. The combination of fresh misty air, warm sunlight, green surroundings and the pleasant morning atmosphere not only relieves stress but also improves your mood [2,3]. Fresh oxygen is vital for your body’s organs and the calm atmosphere helps relax your entire body and mind. These, in turn, help you feel relaxed and relieve stress.
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4. Aids in maintaining your posture
Walking barefoot is also a great exercise for the feet as it strengthens and stretches the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in our feet, ankles, and calves. This helps keep the posture upright and maintain good health. It also reduces the risk of developing calluses, strains, and stiffness in the soles of the feet.
Walking barefoot engages your foot muscles in a way that reinforces a natural walking pattern. This natural gait with improved biomechanics– posture, body awareness, and balance can help with pain relief, in part by enhancing the body mechanics of the knees, hips, and core [6]. Moving the way nature intended can lead to stronger leg and core muscles which support and improve lower back strength and tone.
5. Provides Vitamin D
When you walk barefoot on grass, you are exposed to the direct sun’s rays. These rays help nourish the body by activating the production of Vitamin D, which is also known as the sunshine vitamin. Vitamin D keeps your bones healthy and prevents osteoarthritis and other bone and joint related diseases. So make sure you get your daily dose of Vitamin D and also get the most of your health by walking barefoot in the morning.
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Benefits of walking barefoot on grass are plenty. All it takes is a little motivation to leave your bed early in the morning and head to a nearby park. This simple morning routine can pack you with energy to keep going through the day along with revitalizing your senses and making you feel peaceful. Walking early in the morning is preferred than late evening as the grass is still wet with morning dew which is highly beneficial. A daily stroll lasting anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes should suffice to fill you up with energy to sail through the rest of the day.
(The article is reviewed by Dr. Swati Mishra, Medical Editor)
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References:
1. Chevalier G, Sinatra ST, Oschman JL. Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth’s Surface Electrons. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. J Environ Public Health. 2012; 2012: 291541.
2. Ghaly M, Teplitz D. The biologic effects of grounding the human body during sleep as measured by cortisol levels and subjective reporting of sleep, pain, and stress. J Altern Complement Med. 2004 Oct; 10(5): 767-76.
3. Chevalier G. The effect of grounding the human body on mood. Psychol Rep. 2015 Apr;116(2):534-42.