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Walk Outside with bare feet

Definition

Barefoot walking in nature may improve your mood, productivity and creativity. It helps you feel more connected to nature and relaxes you.

How to Do It

Find a natural setting such as a park or forest
Make sure the area is safe, clear from debris, and practical to walk on
Take your shoes and socks off and walk around

Benefits

May improve mood [1], [2]
May boost productivity [3]
May increase creativity [4]
May improve fitness and physical health [5]

Time Commitment

20+ minutes

Why it works

Walking with bare feet connects you to the natural world, which may improve your mood [1], [2].

Better mood is often associated with increased productivity [3]

Walking boosts creativity, because it lets your mind wander [4].

Walking can improve your physical wellbeing and act as a preventative measure for many diseases related to inactivity [5].

Some studies show that walking outside with bare feet can release built up static electricity from your body which may have positive effects like stress reduction, hormone balance and reduction of inflammation [8].

Suggested Frequency

3-4 times per week

Possible Side Effects

Injury
Accidents
Bacterial infection
Hookworm
Animal bites
Stings

Required Equipment

None

Gurus/Celebrities/Doing it

Julia Roberts

Gwenyth Paltrow

Notes

Bring shoes with you on your walk in case you reach uncomfortable terrain.

If you enjoy barefoot walking, try running with bare feet. This may even be better for the health of your feet, knees and ankles than running with shoes [6].