Our feet are with us for life. If we wear them out, it’s not like we can ask for another pair. But even so, most people tend to neglect their feet. It’s just not something that we think of as needing special attention. The truth is, if we don’t pamper our feet, we could be opening ourselves up to chronic foot problems later on. Why you should take care of your feet is just as important as taking care care of the rest of your body.
Some basic guidelines for taking care of your feet are:
* wear supportive shoes (going barefoot or wearing shoes with no arch support is detrimental)
* if you have adorable flats with no arch support (like me!), buy inserts
* wear the appropriate size shoe for your foot (get measured)
* put your feet up whenever you get the chance
* get a foot massage (and while you’re at it, a pedicure!)
* don’t ignore foot pain. see your doctor if pain persists.
Feet need re-energizing throughout the day. From Discovery Fit & Health, here are a series of foot exercises you can do while sitting:
Foot Relaxer: Start by relaxing and loosening the muscles and joints of your feet by shaking them (the same way you’d shake out cramped muscles in your fingers and hands). Then wiggle your toes, first on one foot, then the other.
Foot Press: With your feet on the floor, take your shoes off and place one foot on top of the other. Press the top one down toward the floor while pulling up with the bottom foot — but don’t let your feet separate. This can be a little tricky!
Toe Tap: With your feet on the floor, tap your toes, or pretend that you’re pressing down on a pedal, first with one foot, then with the other foot.
Toe Writing: With your feet on the floor and your shoes off, use your toes to ‘write’ the letters of the alphabet, from A to Z, on the floor.
The Grip: With your feet on the floor and your shoes off, try picking up a pencil or pen with your toes. Or try picking up a marble (if you happen to have one lying around).
I hope these basic guidelines and simple exercise tips encourage you to take care of your feet. See more Exercise Ideas on our Living5x5 Pinterest page. Remember to walk with comfort!
