Barefoot walking and its benefits

Walking on the beach during sunrises or sunsets is my favourite activity.

Living here in Oman, we are blessed with beautiful beaches that are all easily accessible. In the mornings, when you want solitude, you’ll be comforted by the sound of the birds and gentle waves. Research has shown that watching the sunrise may help boost our moods, reduce inflammation and depression, and even help us sleep better at night. It also opens our creativity and inspires us to improve throughout the day. During sunsets, when you want to see a different beauty unfold, you can head out to the coastline along Muscat. Everything is bustling with life, a couple sitting on their camping chairs watching their kids play in the sand.

A group of men playing football, all in a festive mood. It’s a different energy, bringing about a sense of happiness. Walking barefoot, feeling the sand beneath your feet can make you feel more grounded in everything around you.

But do you know that there’s a science behind this? It’s a well-researched practice with recognised health benefits. It can help improve balance, help with pain relief and improve the mechanics of hips, knees and core. 

The Science of Barefoot Walking The earth has a natural healing energy. The surface has a vast supply of electrons due to a global atmospheric electron circuit. However, because of our modern lifestyle – primarily covered in shoes, cars, or indoors- a disconnect causes an imbalance in our physical and mental healing. As a result, our body accumulates excess energy that needs to be discharged to the ground. The beneficial effect is that a direct earth connection enables all positively charged free radicals in our body to flow from the earth and back; therefore, our body electrons are neutralised.

While many studies that prove these benefits require further research, many health professionals believe that barefoot walking comes from feeling connected with nature, and there is no harm in that. I’d recommend taking frequent walks, as little as half an hour daily, for our well-being. So throw off your shoes and enjoy the grounding effect of the sand beneath your feet!