Although simple and rather Old World, walking barefoot on grass-what has been termed “earthing” or “grounding”-is a rather multi-beneficial activity. From reconnecting with nature to relieving stress, and improving physical health, a walk on the grass with your feet bare can be transformational. But most importantly, the activity is free and eco-friendly, and you don’t need a gym membership. Walking Barefoot on Grass: Find out some of the surprising health benefits of walking, and why you should kick off your shoes and feel the earth beneath your feet.
1. A Natural Reflexology Session
Walking barefoot on grass is just like giving a massage to your feet, absolutely free of cost. Minor unevenness in the grass acts as a trigger for these acupressure points in the soles of your feet, which in turn are connected by energy lines running to different organs and systems of your body. It’s natural reflexology, improving blood flow and releasing tension to relax the whole body in general. Just think of it as a foot massage, where you don’t have to tip anyone.
2. Stress and Anxiety Reduction
You walk on soft, green grass where the coolness of the blades of grass feels refreshing against your toes, while your steps fall on soft, cushioned earth. Serene, to say the least. Studies have shown that just walking barefoot on a lawn is enough to reduce stress by as much as 50%, besides alleviating anxiety considerably. Studies have also shown that direct contact with the earth stabilizes cortisol, the stress hormone in our body, hence helping reduce anxiety and promoting a feeling of relaxedness. So, next time when you are stressed, do away with the yoga mat and go for a barefoot walk.
3. Immune System
If you ever wondered, “Is it good to walk barefoot in the grass?”-yes, it is- and here’s one reason: Walking barefoot on grass strengthens your immune system. Studies have shown that direct contact with the earth allows the body to take in negatively charged electrons, which neutralize free radicals and unstable atoms that can cause cell damage and lead to illness. This may be a little thing, but it does pack a nice kick in upgrading your immune system, and this, in turn, would reduce the chances of catching a cold or infection. It would get bonus points if one could do this habit regularly in the morning on fresh dewy grass!
4. Improves Balance and Posture
In their natural state, feet are incredibly capable but often lose all that when we put on, particularly the fashionable but less-than-ergonomic ones. Walking barefoot helps activate small muscles in your feet, ankles, and legs, enhancing balance and posture. Just like a personal trainer, except instead of an individual, your own body re-teaches you how to walk.
5. Improves Eyesight
Yes, you heard that right-outdoor walking on grass without shoes can help you improve your eyesight. Some alternative modes of healing, including reflexology and Ayurveda, say that nerves related to our eyes are stimulated whenever we walk barefoot. Walking on dewy grass in the morning regularly will refresh your eyes and increase your visibility. While your optometrist is unlikely to prescribe a “barefoot walk” to correct your prescription, there’s no harm in trying. The worst that’ll happen- you’ll end up with healthier feet!
6. Benefits of Grounding and Earthing
The benefits of walking barefoot on the grass are considered to be spiritual and extend beyond physical benefits. Grounding is the term used to describe a connection that occurs by walking barefoot to the earth’s natural energies. This process is said to realign your body’s electrical circuits, allowing one to feel more balanced and centred, in tune with the earth. You might even feel like a human battery that’s just been fully charged! Many people report better sleep, improved mood, and increased energy levels after regularly practising grounding. So, if you have been feeling a little disconnected lately, perhaps it’s time to reconnect.
7. It enhances circulation
The nerve and muscle stimulation of your feet by walking barefoot encourages better blood circulation in the body. Improved circulation helps with delivering oxygen and nutrition to tissues and organs, hence aiding generally in good health. But if you want to keep your heart healthy and your sanguine fluid pumping efficiently, then going barefoot more often needs jogging when you can casually stroll barefoot and still manage to gain some health benefits.
8. Inflammation is Reduced
One of the lesser-known benefits of walking barefoot on wet grass is the possibility of reducing inflammation. This idea has been associated with the grounding effect when people walk barefoot and have direct contact with the earth. The reason this happens is that an influx of negatively charged electrons neutralizes free radicals, which have been associated with causing inflammation. So, if you have been feeling achy and sore, a walk on the grass barefoot might just be that remedy you had no idea you needed.
9. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
Talking of surprising advantages, here is something you would not consider: walking on grass barefoot can lower blood sugar levels. Research does suggest that walking barefoot, especially in the morning, may have a positive effect on blood sugar regulation. In other words, the stimulation of nerves in your feet by something as simple as walking may set off certain pathways associated with the regulation of glucose. So if your question was, “Does walking on grass reduce blood sugar?”-well, the answer is tentatively yes, and it’s worth exploring for you if you are seeking natural ways to control blood sugar levels.
10. Improves Mental Clarity and Focus
The fact that walking barefoot on grass is not only good for the body, but it does wonders for your mind, too. It can also bring clarity and focus, mentally, through the calming and centring effects of taking place in nature. That is excellent for clearing the mind and getting a little organized, hence setting it up perfectly for those who need some mental breaks from their hectic lives. In case you happen to multitask all the time or stress out, just take a few minutes daily while walking on the grass with bare feet to see how sharper your mind will feel.
11. Improves Sleep Quality
Do you often suffer from insomnia or restless nights? Then, walking every morning barefoot on grass could be your secret to good sleep. Earthing has been shown to balance circadian rhythms, that internal clock that regulates the cycles of sleeping and waking. The natural rhythm of the earth’s energy helps synchronize our body’s internal clock for improved sleep patterns. After all, what could be more soothing than a morning stroll through nature?
12. Re-Connect with Nature
The most spiritual benefit associated with walking barefoot in the grass might be reconnecting with nature. Humans of the present technological world have truly grown to live life hugely disconnected from nature. It can help you feel slower, deeper breaths and let you be in better contact with the earth. It’s like a mini-vacation for your soul, and there are no travel charges.
13. Facilitates Detoxification
Walking barefoot on the earth, particularly on wet grass, facilitates detoxification in your body. The surface of the earth carries plenty of negatively charged ions which help neutralize harmful toxins and free radicals in our bodies. By grounding yourself frequently, you give your body an easy detox which keeps it operating more effectively and makes you refreshed.
14. Improves Mood
We are all entitled to those days when we feel a little down like the world is just one big “Monday.” This is a mood booster due to the increased amount of endorphins, basically, those chemicals in your brain that show you a good time. Fresh air, greenery, and a sensory experience contribute to walking barefoot, which does wonders in uplifting the spirit and making you happier and more positive than anything else out there. It’s therapy, but cheaper.
Let’s be real, walking barefoot on the grass is fun! It makes one become a child again and remember those days when one was not yet burdened with the responsibilities of adulthood and was not restricted to wearing hard leather shoes. So why not indulge in it? Kick your shoes off, wiggle your toes, and become accustomed to having the earth beneath your feet once again-you might be surprised how much fun this is!
Conclusion
Barefoot walks on the grass can be a source of health benefits, from lessening stress and boosting immunity to improving eyesight and lowering blood sugar. Plus, there is little that can replace the feeling of closeness to nature and the energy of the earth. The next time you are stuck inside or just stressed, kick off those shoes and walk the grass in your bare feet. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you and so will your feet!
