Photo: Pierre Etienne Vachon | Unsplash
Barefoot walking is becoming more mainstream as a practice in baseball to support mindfulness. Players who participate say the benefits are wide-ranging. They include giving the feet an opportunity to move without the constraints of shoes to potentially decrease pain and inflammation. The practice can also lower stress and help normalize the nervous system for improved sleep and day-to-day function. There are other potential benefits for the heart, cortisol, and mental health. The practice is also known as “grounding” or “earthing.” Player Christian Walker said, “What I’m after is just being outside – the fresh air, feeling the grass on my feet, walking around and feeling my toes be able to spread out. It’s more of a decompression I feel like than anything…It’s just such a nice change of pace, especially at this baseball stadium." Some coaches and players are also incorporating breathing practices into pre-game routines for improved performance.
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