Barefoot in the snow: 3 reasons why you should try it

If you walk barefoot in the snow, you can say goodbye to cold feet in the long term. Walking in the snow is healthy for three reasons. In this article you will also learn how to start with the barefoot exercise and what you have to pay attention to.

Walking barefoot in the snow is so healthy

The idea of ​​walking barefoot in the snow may seem unusual to you. At the same time, images of frozen toes or frostbite rise in front of the inner eye.

But actually the opposite is the case: a short walk barefoot in the snow hardens you against the cold. With practice, going barefoot in the snow is a healthy exercise.

Reasons for it:

1. The blood circulation is stimulated – your feet and legs get better blood circulation due to the cold. The “inventor” of the Kneipp cures, Sebastian Kneipp, recommended walking barefoot in the snow.

2. The metabolism is stimulated – the feeling of cold snow under the soles of your feet gives you an adrenaline rush. The medical portal DocCheck explains that the hormone adrenaline stimulates the metabolism. As a result, your body processes the carbohydrates and sugar from food faster.

3. The immune system is strengthened – studies see the possibility that the positive effects on circulation and metabolism are also transferred to the immune system. However, this assumption has not yet been scientifically proven. With a strengthened immune system, you are better equipped to fight colds.

Caution! If you have kidney disease or pelvic health problems, you should seek medical advice before going barefoot in the snow.

Barefoot in the snow: This is how it works

Barefoot in the snow – it doesn’t have to be a hike. Similar to the cold water showers during the Kneipp cure, even a short walk in the snow has a positive effect. According to a report in GEO magazine, a maximum of 30 seconds is enough. At first, you might prefer to walk in the snow for just a few seconds. With time and by getting used to the cold, you will eventually make the recommended half minute.

This is how walking barefoot in the snow works:

• Prepare yourself with a towel and warm socks for afterwards.
• Always start with warm feet. The muscles should be well supplied with blood.
• Don’t stand still while you’re barefoot in the snow, always keep moving.
• As soon as you feel the cold uncomfortable, stop going barefoot.
• Dry your feet and slip into warm socks.

If there is no snow, dew walking is an alternative. As early as the 19th century, Sebastian Kneipp advised his spa guests to go barefoot in the cool morning dew.

Barefoot in the snow: What else you should know

The ideal snow for your barefoot excursion is freshly fallen snow. Snow that has been lying there for a long time forms sharp ice crystals that can damage your feet – especially if you are new to walking barefoot.

Start in sunny weather with temperatures around zero degrees Celsius. Even if you’re barefoot, don’t forget to dress warmly. The body is busy keeping the feet warm. He needs protection in other places in order not to cool down.

Read more on Techzle.com:

• Barefoot hiking: Is hiking without shoes really possible?
• These minimal shoes keep you warm: The best barefoot shoes for winter
• Strengthening the immune system: How to arm yourself against viruses this winter