Surprising Benefits of Walking Barefoot on Grass

How earthing can enhance your physical and mental wellbeing

A few weeks ago, after lunch, I thought to have some sunshine. It’s winter here in Dhaka, but the sun is always there to show its grace for a few hours each day. I took a book in my hand, Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell to be specific, and went outside.

As I have a green playground at the back of my house, I went there to read the book under the sun. I took off my shoes, sat on the grass, and start reading. After a few minutes, I thought — how about having a walk on the grass barefoot. Thus, my earthing journey began.

Now, every day, I take some time to walk barefoot on the grass. I must tell you I feel so happy and calm every time I do the walk. It is enhancing my physical and mental well-being.

Walking barefoot on the grass is referred to as earthing or grounding. It reduces stress and boosts the immune system and at the same time, increases your self-awareness. So, let’s see how walking barefoot can enhance your body and mind.

You Feel Connected to Nature

Walking barefoot on grass can be a great addition to your daily life. It’s an uplifting experience that can hardly be described in words. When you allow your feet to touch the ground, you reestablish your connection to the earth.

You feel the earth’s bonding, the softness of the grass, and the gentle breeze around. It gives you an experience of being in the present moment by increasing your self-awareness.

Your busy life needs a break to reflect on what you are doing and what you should do to be happy. Earthing creates this lovely opportunity for you to rethink and redesign your life. It cools you down and fills your mind with positivity and happiness.

It Improves Your Mental Wellbeing

In my case, walking barefoot on the grass helps me to heighten my mental peace. It gives me a break from my mundane routine and centralizes my random thoughts. Now, I try to walk barefoot at least three to four times a week.

Sometimes, I take a walk in the evening, after a busy day of work. I feel refreshed, less stressed, and more focused. It keeps me grounded and connected to the natural world.

Research suggests the same as it says, being disconnected from the earth may contribute to physiological dysfunction and unwellness. On the contrary, earthing helps to have a good sleep and reduce mental stress.

It also helps reset your biological clock, which improves your body’s circadian rhythm and other biological processes.

Your Body Becomes More Functional

Walking is crucial to keep our body functional and healthy. Going barefoot adds more value to it. When we walk barefoot, we absorb anti-oxidants that boost our immune system.

A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine says that earthing increases the surface charge of red blood cells that eventually reduces the risk of heart disease.

Another study suggests that walking barefoot may help regulate both the endocrine and nervous systems. It may lessen overall pain, and for women, it can ease menstrual cramps as well.

After walking barefoot for more than a week, I can say that I feel the differences. A 15–30 minutes barefoot walk on grass makes my body active and mind stress-free.

How to Introduce Earthing in Your Daily Life

Since the 1960s, we have increasingly worn insulating rubber or plastic soled shoes that separated us from the touch of the ground. So, going barefoot may seem tough at first. But you can introduce this into your daily life with a conscious effort.

Decide your earthing time

First thing is to specify a time for yourself. Morning can be a good option for you if you are a morning person. You can go barefoot for 10 to 20 minutes when you do your jogging. Or, you can do it in the evening as I do. Decide your earthing time based on your preference and include that in your daily habits.

Choose a suitable place

It can be a sports field near your house or a park full of green. Even, you can use your backyard if it’s spacious and filled with grass. Choose a place where the environment is calm, and your feet will not get hurt.

Keep your devices away

It’s essential. Keep your electronic devices away. While walking, concentrate on your breathing and the surrounding. It will raise your self-awareness level and fills your mind with freshness.

Final Thoughts

It may seem a little counterintuitive to walk barefoot on grass, but it can be a great initiative to keep your body energized and enhance your mental wellbeing. It can also be a fun activity if you do it with your spouse and children.

So, pick a time, choose a suitable place, and give it a go. Take off your fancy shoes and hit the ground. Feel the earth’s energy in its entirety. I promise you will feel more alive than ever.

Thank you for reading.

If you are interested to read more of my writings, you may read the following one published in The Ascent.

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