Heart Experts Recommend 15 to 30 Minutes of Barefoot Walking Daily for a Healthy Lifestyle

ISLAMABAD: Walking barefoot for 15 to 30 minutes a day may offer several health benefits, with experts recommending it as a simple addition to a healthy lifestyle.

According to cardiac experts, walking barefoot on grass, sand or soil allows the body to move more naturally, improves balance and may promote a sense of mental relaxation. They recommend maintaining some direct contact between the feet and the ground as part of regular physical activity.

Experts say barefoot walking activates the natural muscles and nerves in the feet and may also contribute to improved posture and gait.

Key Benefits of Barefoot Walking

1. Stronger Foot Muscles:
Walking without shoes allows the muscles, tendons and connective tissues in the feet to move more naturally, potentially improving strength and flexibility.

2. Improved Balance and Stability:
Barefoot walking encourages more natural movement and may improve balance and stability. It can be particularly useful for older adults by potentially reducing the risk of falls.

3. Better Body Awareness and Coordination:
The nerve endings in the feet directly sense different surfaces, helping the body better understand its position and movement. This sense of body awareness, known as proprioception, plays an important role in coordination and physical performance.

4. Improved Blood Circulation:
Walking can promote blood circulation in the feet and legs, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients to muscles and tissues.

5. Reduced Stress:
Walking barefoot in a natural environment may promote relaxation and mental well-being. Experts say spending time in nature while walking can support mental clarity, emotional well-being, relaxation and better sleep.

Some health and cardiac experts have also linked direct contact with the ground to the discharge of electrical charges in the body and restoration of the cells’ natural electrical balance. However, the scientific evidence supporting these claims is considerably weaker than the evidence for the other potential benefits, and barefoot walking should not be considered a proven medical treatment on this basis.

Experts say that walking barefoot for 15 to 30 minutes daily on grass, sand or soil can be a simple way to add physical activity to a healthy lifestyle while connecting with nature and potentially reducing stress.