Walking barefoot on grass for 10 minutes: 5 benefits doctors are now talking about

Finding time to reconnect with nature might be difficult in today's fast-paced urban lifestyle. However, walking barefoot on grass may serve the purpose. You may be surprised to know that there are several benefits of taking a stroll barefoot on the grass for 10 minutes. Listed below are 5 benefits doctors are now talking about:

Reduces inflammation

Dr. Sunil Rana, Associate Director, Head- Internal Medicine (Unit III), Asian Hospital says, “The practice of having a barefoot stroll on grass, commonly referred to as ‘earthing’ is not only a return to simplicity but also comes with a host of health benefits.

Walking barefoot on grass balances the positive ions produced by electronic devices by absorbing the negative ions from the Earth. This grounding impact has a significant effect on chronic inflammation, sleep and overall wellbeing.” It is a natural way to promote healing by rebalancing the body's electromagnetic field. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory benefits of walking barefoot on grass have been widely documented. The Earth's negative charge can assist in dissipating the positive charge in the body, reducing chronic inflammation and offering pain relief, particularly for patients suffering from inflammatory disorders.

Improves brain health

Barefoot walking activates the enteric nervous system, increases brain blood flow, and stimulates nerve cells in the sensory cortex, thalamus, and cerebellum, resulting in better general cognitive performance. Furthermore, barefoot walking improves lower skeletal muscle strength by stimulating the toes more than walking in sneakers. These strategies can help enhance blood flow to the brain. Furthermore, the decrease in mental fatigue and brain stress reported in the barefoot group implies that this type of exercise may be especially beneficial for people who are stressed or have high levels of mental weariness.

Boosts immunity

It also acts to boost your immune system. The stimulation of the nerve endings in the foot increases blood circulation, which can raise immunity and the body's ability to heal itself. Improved blood flow also results in more oxygen and nutrients being transported throughout the body. The benefits are multiplied when you walk on a regular basis, particularly in the morning. The grounding effect has been found to improve sleep quality by stabilizing the day-night cortisol rhythm, resulting in a more restful night's sleep.

Reduce tension and anxiety

Finally, walking barefoot on grass can be beneficial to one's emotional and mental well-being. It promotes mindfulness and present-moment awareness, which are essential components of mental well-being. This exercise can also help you connect with nature more deeply, improve your mood, and feel more at peace. According to Dr. Praveen Gupta is Principal Director & Chief of Neurology at Fortis Hospital, “Walking barefoot on the grass can also bring about a considerable reduction in tension and anxiety.

According to a study, grounding improves mood and lowers cortisol levels, the body's principal stress hormone. The sensation of cool, soft grass beneath your feet can be comforting, fostering relaxation and mental clarity.

This is especially advantageous for people living in cities, where green spaces are scarce and stress levels can be high.”

Maintains good posture

Lastly, it also improves balance and posture. The uneven surface of the grass stimulates nerves in the feet, which improves proprioception - the body's capacity to detect its position in space. Walking barefoot, according to the American Council on Exercise, can assist in strengthening the tiny muscles in the feet and lower legs, improving stability and lowering the risk of falls, particularly in older persons.