Sun, Grass, and Bare Feet: Your Guide to the Good Life

There is something special about stepping outside, feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin (even though we are told not to), and letting your bare feet sink into cool grass or soft dirt. It’s simple, free, and often exactly what we need to connect with ourselves, with nature, and, truly, with our inner child. Think about it: how many memories do you get when you think about your childhood outdoors and the wind blows? mmm hmm, I know.

Here’s why making outdoor time part of your daily routine can be so valuable. Not just valuable, but Important for you and your kids too.

The Benefits of Sunshine

Sunlight does much more than brighten our day.

When ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun reach our skin, our bodies can produce vitamin D, and guess where we absorb Vitamin D the most? Through our eyes! Makes you wonder why we shield them with sunglasses, eh?

Vitamin D plays an important role in:

• Supporting strong bones and teeth by helping the body absorb calcium and phosphorus.
• Supporting the immune system.
• Helping muscles function properly.
• Contributing to healthy growth and development in children.

So, how much vitamin D your body makes depends on many factors, including the time of day, season, cloud cover, latitude, skin tone, age, and whether sunscreen or clothing blocks UVB rays (don’t get me started on sunscreen) Because of these differences, some people still need vitamin D from food or supplements, especially during winter or if they spend little time outdoors. I get that, which makes it so much more important! OK, so let’s say you can’t get outside guess what? There are foods you can eat to make sure you do.

Good food sources of vitamin D include:

Fortified plant-based milks (soy, oat, almond, pea, and coconut) Fortified orange juice Fortified breakfast cereals Fortified plant-based yogurts UV-exposed mushrooms (such as maitake, portobello, and button mushrooms) Fortified tofu (when available) Vitamin D2 or vegan vitamin D3 supplements made from lichen helps too!

Sunshine Boosts Your Mood

Being outside doesn’t just benefit your body—it can also help your mind.

Many people notice they feel calmer, happier, and more energized after spending time outdoors. Natural daylight helps regulate your body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm), which supports healthy sleep. Time in nature has also been associated with lower stress levels, improved attention, and better emotional well-being.

For children, outdoor play encourages creativity, confidence, and opportunities to explore the world with all of their senses.

Walking Barefoot

Walking barefoot allows the many small muscles in your feet to work naturally.

Potential benefits include:

• Strengthening the muscles of the feet and ankles.
• Improving balance and body awareness (proprioception).
• Encouraging a more natural walking pattern.
• Helping maintain healthy foot mobility.

Some people also find that walking barefoot helps them feel more connected to the present moment and encourages mindfulness.

What About Grounding?

Grounding (sometimes called earthing) refers to direct skin contact with the earth, such as walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil.

Some people report feeling calmer, sleeping better, or feeling less stressed after grounding. While a few small studies have explored possible effects on inflammation, sleep, and stress, the current scientific evidence is still limited. More high-quality research is needed before strong health claims can be made.

Even without proven “grounding” effects, spending time outdoors walking through a park or playing in the yard provides many benefits through movement, fresh air, sunlight, and relaxation.

Can Minerals Be Absorbed Through Your Feet?

The pores on the bottom of your feet are particularly absorbent. This means that they can quickly pull substances such as essential oils into the bloodstream. The soles of your feet do not have hair follicles, which can slow down the absorption process, but the skin on the soles of your feet is different from the skin on other parts of your body. It reminds me of when I thought about why the bottoms of your feet were called souls. To me when we walk on the earth, we are absorbing the earth through our souls!

The feet also have a lot of nerve endings, which means that they are more reactive to touch and stimuli. This can make the application of substances to the feet more effective in certain circumstances. For example, the use of essential oils on the feet during a massage can have a more potent effect due to the increased nerve endings and blood flow. Cool right!

Let’s Talk About Why Kids Need More Outdoor Time

Children naturally learn through movement, so understanding that means understanding the outdoor world has more to offer than just rocks.

Outdoor play helps kids:

• Build stronger muscles and bones.
• Develop balance and coordination.
• Improve gross motor skills.
• Practice problem-solving and creativity.
• Reduce screen time.
• Support healthy sleep.
• Explore nature with curiosity and confidence.

Sometimes the best toys aren’t toys at all—they’re sticks, rocks, puddles, leaves, and a wide-open backyard.

Easy Ways to Spend More Time Outside

You don’t need a hiking trail or a huge backyard.

Try these simple ideas:

• Take a 10–20 minute barefoot walk on grass.
• Walk everywhere you can. The park, gym, creek, stores, and cafes
• Eat breakfast or dinner outside.
• Read a book under a tree.
• Start a small herb or vegetable garden.
• Visit a local park/ creek after school.
• Have a family picnic.
• Let kids collect leaves, flowers, feathers, or interesting rocks.
• Watch the sunset/ rise together.
• Play tag or kick a ball in the yard.
• Go on a “nature treasure hunt” and see who can spot the most birds, butterflies, or wildflowers.

Barefoot Safety Tips

Walking barefoot is enjoyable, but safety comes first.

• Check the area for glass, sharp rocks, thorns, or animal waste.
• Avoid hot pavement or sand that could burn your feet.
• Wear shoes if you have diabetes, reduced feeling in your feet, or open cuts.
• Wash your feet afterward if you’ve been in soil or public areas.
• Start with just a few minutes if you’re new to barefoot walking.

A Gentle Reminder

Nature has a beautiful way of slowing us down.

Whether it’s ten minutes in the sunshine, watching your kids chase butterflies, or feeling cool grass beneath your feet, these small moments can become some of the most meaningful parts of your day. Also, your kids will talk about it for days and plan when to go back out again. Trust me!

You don’t have to spend hours outside to benefit. Sometimes all it takes is opening the back door, slipping off your shoes, taking a deep breath, watching the trees dance, and remembering that some of life’s greatest gifts are still free.