Barefoot in the Forest: A Wholesome Afternoon + Health Benefits for the Entire Family
- Anisha
- Sep 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 5
Last weekend, my family and I wandered into the forest for an afternoon, and what started as a simple walk quickly turned into one of the most wholesome experiences we’ve shared together. We visited the Barefoot Trail in Flagstaff, Arizona—a winding path designed for people to take off their shoes and reconnect with the ground beneath them. We kicked off our shoes, felt the earth beneath our feet, and just were—present, together, and connected.
If you're ever in the area, I recommend giving it a go. You'll get to use all 5 of your senses while barefoot on this 1-mile trail that has a variety of curated obstacles that make the entire experience of being outside even more fun.
What we really experienced that day is called grounding (or earthing)—the practice of connecting your body directly to the earth. Walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil allows your body to absorb the earth’s natural energy (negative ions to be exact), which studies suggest can help reduce stress, balance the nervous system, and even improve sleep. So many of us are typically tethered to an indoor office space filled with electronic devices so getting outdoors is an important way to counteract the fatigue and mood impacts that comes with it.
THE MAGIC OF BAREFOOT LIVING
Our feet are remarkable. In reflexology, a healing practice that’s been around for centuries, the feet are believed to be maps of the body—each point corresponding to organs and systems. Walking barefoot on uneven, natural surfaces like forest trails stimulates these points, offering not only a soothing massage but also potential health benefits.
But beyond science, there’s something deeply calming about feeling the coolness of grass, the softness of sand, or even the crunch of twigs underfoot. It pulls us into the present moment and reminds us that we’re part of something bigger. Watching my kids laugh as they squished mud between their toes, I realized—nature doesn’t just entertain, it heals.
BRINGING NATURE HOME: 5 WAYS TO GROUND IN EVERYDAY LIFE
Of course, I don’t always have a forest outside my door. Like many families, we live a more urban lifestyle. What I have found from my love of incorporating mindfulness and nature into daily living is that you don’t need acres of woods to reap mother's nature's benefits. Here are five simple ways to bring that same sense of peace into your daily life:
Go for a family walk or bike ride – Sunshine is healing in itself. Notice your surroundings, ask your kids what they see or hear, and let the outing be about connection, not just
movement. Some of my favorite conversations I have with my kids are on these walks and I often time use this as a way to get some one-on-one time with my kids as well.
Connect with animals – Visit a local sanctuary, watch birds, or simply spend time with pets. Animals naturally ground us and bring us into the moment. This summer, my boys and I volunteered at an animal shelter where we got to help socialize kittens. I discovered I might be allergic, but until the itchy throat and watery eyes kicked in, it was really joyful.
Spend a little time barefoot in your backyard – Whether it’s grass or a sandbox (we have an in-ground sand pit from when my kids were little), get your feet in the dirt. A little mess is part of the magic sometimes. It felt so good to be barefoot on that 1.5 mile trail over the weekend and I'm reminded that we need to do more of it, even if it's just at home.
Sit by a window and unplug – When weather or schedules don’t allow outdoor time, sit by a window without devices. This is something I tell my postpartum clients that are healing their bodies and in the depths of newborn caregiving. Take it slow but get some sunlight. Look out at the sky, watch the trees sway in the wind and get a little tiny dose of vitamin D. Nature is medicine.
Plan nature-centered vacations – Whether it’s a beach trip, a mountain hike, or camping in the woods, choose simplicity. Leave devices behind and let nature set the pace. Some of my favorite family vacations are the ones where we spend the entire day outdoors. It makes for a great conversation starter too and there is so much to learn. "What kind of rock is this?" I can hear my little guy's voice echo. Well, let's look it up!
That afternoon barefoot in the forest reminded me that nature doesn’t just offer us beauty—it offers us balance. And the best part? We don’t need to wait for the perfect day in the woods to access it. With small, intentional steps, we can weave grounding into our daily lives, one barefoot moment at a time.
CULTIVATING CALM, ENERGY, AND CONNECTION THROUGH NATURE
What I’ve found is that spending time in nature makes me a better person: my nervous system feels calm, I feel energized and at peace, often simultaneously. For me, this sense of grounding is a prerequisite to living a more balanced life. When we care for ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually, we flourish in all areas of our lives—professionally and personally. And the best part is that by simply practicing being in nature and making it part of our family culture, I’m hopefully shaping skills for coping with stress and prioritizing well-being that my kids will carry into their own lives. It's a win-win for everyone.
Anisha Pandya Patel, Founder of MasalaMommy
Anisha is pregnancy and postpartum coach, corporate well-being consultant, author of Expecting: A Pregnancy Journal, and founder of MasalaMommy. She helps ambitious women navigate early motherhood with confidence, care, and connection—blending holistic wisdom with real-life experience. Through coaching, content, and consulting, she supports both individuals and organizations in creating healthier transitions for working parents. When she’s not working, she’s raising three boys and embracing the beautiful, messy balance of parenting and purpose.
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