Overview
Sensory Walking is a simple exercise to begin getting in touch with nature and taking notice of different surfaces your walking on.
This strategy is great for anyone who wants to feel a little more “down-to-earth” and wants to begin getting in touch with the environment and feel a little more grounded.
Requirements
Make sure you can trust what you are walking on. There is nothing worse walking barefoot outside and then standing on something which can hurt or damage to the underside of the foot.
Avoid hard surfaces like concrete paths or tarmac.
If you have a grassy patch in your garden, that’s perfect to start off with.
If you don’t have green space of your own, find a local park or field with grass footpaths which is clear of litter and dog poo. No one likes stepping on dog poop with shoes on, let alone barefoot!
If you have any medical problems with your feet, please ask a medical professional before performing this exercise.
Are you struggling right now?
If you’re feeling unsafe or experiencing suicidal thinking, please visit the Urgent Help page now to find what actions you need to take.
How to
When you go out for your walk and your on a safe surface, take your shoes and socks off and continue walking.
Take notice of how it feels to walk on the earth. Can you feel temperature changes? Is the ground wet? How do your feet feel before, during and after?
When you have finished your walk or your feet begin to feel uncomfortable, pop your footwear back on after brushing any dirt off of them.
Make sure to wash your feet when you get home and make sure your feet are okay.
Additional
We highly recommending walking as a good way to get in your weekly exercise as well as giving your mind that much needed environment change.
If you are a frequent walker, we highly recommend this strategy because it can enhance your overall experience.
If this feels uncomfortable to do in public, that’s perfectly normal.
If you have concerns, begin with taking your shoes off but keeping your socks on. Don’t ruin a decent pair of socks!
We recommend walking with others you trust.