Many people know that the amount of dirt and bacteria from the outside world can cause all sorts of illnesses, but they don’t realize how much dust and dirt is on your shoes. It’s not just a common practice to wear socks or sandals in or around your home — you’re actually not going to be as healthy without taking off your shoes!
This is especially true with winter approaching, when you’ll want to secure warm floors and keep bad bugs at bay! Here are ten reasons why keeping your feet bare might be worth the change.
1. Your feet need air
You like to keep your house warm (or do you?!) and this is one of the best ways to do it without using the ‘old, wasteful ways’. A barefoot lifestyle has benefits for many different aspects of your health, including the air you breathe.
When your feet are exposed to the open air, it allows for circulation to the lungs. Keep a fresh pair of socks by the door and bring them into the bathroom with you when you step out of the tub — that way, your feet can get fresh air at night.
2. Your feet need to be touched
Feet are one of the most underrated parts of the human body — and that’s a shame, because they’re some of the most complicated! When you are barefoot, you are allowing them to be touched by many different surfaces and toxins.
This aspect is cleaner than your hands as they touch many different objects throughout the day, which will eventually collect bacteria. When your feet are bare, they can feel a variety of textures and temperatures, helping them stay healthy.
3. You will be more aware of your environment
Barefooters are more aware of the surroundings around them, because they can feel the temperature, vibrations and other sensory inputs. Because they are more grounded, they will be able to notice a dirty carpet or a broken sidewalk before stepping in it.
Whether you need repairs or an everyday cleaning, getting up and out to do it will help decrease your stress level! When you start feeling some stress in your life, it’s important to take a few deep breaths and not overreact.
4. Your feet will be more healthy
Wearing shoes can have a negative effect on your posture, because they isolate the muscles of your feet and legs. When you take off your shoes, you’ll notice how much stronger and healthier their muscles are!
When you exercise, it’s important that you focus on stretching those muscles out. Don’t stress your feet by wearing high heels — they have limitations that your body won’t show until you’re overdoing it.
5. Your floors will be more clean
If your home has hard flooring, like tile or wood, then it’s more likely to get dirty, because dirt and dust can build up without a vacuum nearby. If you’re barefoot, then you can walk around and sweep the floors with your feet — you’ll be able to clean up more effectively!
Keep your floors clean by wiping them down in between every time that family pets walk through. It’s also a great idea to wear house shoes when cleaning the floors. After all, who wants to get dirt on their bare feet?
6. You will be more grounded
Wearing shoes can contribute to stress and pain in your body. Before you say that it might not be the shoe, it’s the person, try taking off your shoes for a day. You may notice that you feel more relaxed and calm, because you’re connecting with the earth.
This will give you a better sense of direction and balance — two things that many people lack! If you’re having a hard time finding your center, take off your shoes and stand on the ground barefoot. You might notice a difference in your body’s awareness.
7. Your feet will have more room to heal
The way that our shoes are designed is an issue, because they don’t allow for the full movement of our feet and legs. When you wear shoes, the average human weighs around 12 pounds per square inch — a number that can be drastically higher when they’re wearing heels!
Wearing comfort shoes can lead to foot pain and even infections in your feet, which won’t allow your body to heal properly. When you’re comfortable and barefoot, you’ll have room to spread out your body.
8. You will be more spiritual
When you wear shoes, your feet are covered and you aren’t taking in the gorgeous scenery of the world. Many religions will allow you to walk barefoot, but if this isn’t your religion, then make sure that you can find comfort in being barefoot.
Shoes may betray us and make us feel like we’re somewhere else — like those shoes are hindering our spiritual growth. Take off those shoes, do some yoga or meditation and see what feels right for you!
9. You won’t have to clean as often
Let’s be honest — cleaning can get boring. Even if you’re blessed with a clean home and schedule, cleaning can still be difficult. When you’re barefoot, you don’t allow yourself to step in things that will make you dirty — so you can save on soap!
Keep those shoes off and save your feet from being covered with a sticky substance. If your kids love the messy feeling, then let them have fun outside or in the bathtub. This will keep them from making a mess when they walk around the house!
10. You can have a healthier lifestyle
Wearing shoes will give you a lot of benefits, but these benefits come with a trade off. Many shoes are made with chemicals that aren’t good for your feet. When your feet are bare, they will breathe and be able to get rid of the toxins that build up in them.
Wearing special liners or socks can help block these chemicals from getting into your body, but it’s best to just keep them from getting there in the first place.
It’s important to take a good look at what you put on your feet and how often you wear those shoes. Use this list of benefits to stay healthy and happy!
