Our feet tend to be one of the most neglected parts of our body. While most of us ensure that our faces, necks, and even hands get adequate care and attention through beauty treatments and products, our poor feet that carry us everywhere often lose out. At the most, it is that monthly pedicure or coat or two of nail paint that they receive. But is that always enough?
When we do treat our feet well and care for them, not only does it enhance their appearance and our overall sense of well-being, it also ensures that they remain healthy and do not impact our overall health. After all, the human body is interconnected and discomfort or problems in one part often end up causing trouble for other parts of the body. For instance, if your feet hurt, you may not walk evenly or with the correct posture, and it may result in you hurting your knees or back. Ultimately, if your feet are fit and healthy, they are able to support your body all the better.
Address dryness and cracks as soon as you spot them
Dry, cracked heels or soles can be a common problem, if ignored they can become worse and cause considerable pain and irritation. It is important to ensure you regularly moisturise your feet to reduce dryness and to soften hardened skin. Combine one drop each of Peppermint, Lavender, and Eucalyptus with a carrier oil such as Coconut and massage your feet before you go to bed. Not only will your feet thank you, but this routine also helps to soothe the senses and relax the body before bed, helping to prepare us for a great nights sleep. Repeat this regularly, if not daily, for best results.
Soak your feet and dissolve your troubles…
Looking after your feet certainly goes beyond how they appear. Our feet work hard all day long and deserve some looking after, so why not try a footbath. The right essential oils can help to relax our tired feet and legs and with their rejuvenating effects. Stimulating essential oils such as Rosemary, Lavender, Spearmint, or Black Pepper are great choices for a footbath. Add a drop or two of any of these essential oils to a warm footbath and enjoy the soothing results as you unwind after a long, tiring day. Why not also try adding a cup of Epsom salts to your foot bath, for an extra restorative and skin softening boost.
Get serious about feet-care by focusing on reflex points
You can also go a step further and give your feet the care they deserve through a proper foot and leg massage. While it may not compare to getting a professional reflexology massage, small circular motions with gentle pressure on the soles of your feet can provide immense relaxation. This helps improve overall blood circulation and eases tension in the feet. If it isn’t satisfying massaging your own feet, try to negotiate a deal with your partner where you give each other foot massages by turns. This mutually beneficial arrangement can prove to be a great idea for busting stress on a regular basis.
Use the goodness of essential oils for clean and healthy feet
Several essential oils contain antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-bacterial properties. This makes them perfect for all-round foot care. Sweat, germs, and dirt can lead to various issues for our feet, smelly feet not being the least of them. Tea tree essential oil, Myrrh, and Palmarosa are among the best oils one can choose as active ingredients for a DIY foot lotion to keep your feet healthy and hygienic. Tea tree combined with Cypress essential oil can also help with sweaty feet – especially great during the hot Summer months!
Why not give one or more of the above suggestions a go and see how you get on. Incorporating these tips into your body care routine can greatly benefit not only your feet, but also your mind and the rest of your body too. Don’t forget about your lovely tootsies, they deserve a lot more attention than we give them.
