We put our feet through drudgery every single day, but how often do we give them the loving care they need to recuperate from all that hard work? To my mind, the feet are the most important and most neglected parts of our body, but looking after them can make all the difference in the world. You do not have to shell out big bucks every month on fancy pedicures and foot massage treatments – small and simple steps can make a major difference.
Wash Them
This may sound obvious, but how many of you take the time to scrub your feet and in between your toes every single day? This is a very critical part of your foot hygiene routine and can simply not be skipped. Make sure to do this every single time your have a bath and dry your feet thoroughly afterward to prevent any infections and smells. I also prefer to wash my feet right before I go to sleep because it makes me feel really fresh – try it some time!
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
Even if your feet do not feel rough and dry, never skimp on giving them some TLC with a deep nourishing moisturizer. Do this every time you hop out of the shower and before you go to bed. During the winter months, moisturize several times a day. You do not need to invest in an expensive foot cream – any normal lotion will work just fine.
Never Put Your Feet Through Pain
Your tootsies are not supposed to hurt – not matter how beautiful those shoes are! Tight shoes will do a lot of damage to your feet in the long run by causing distortion, bunions and painful growths. When it comes to your feet, throw the “no pain, no gain” rule out of the window once and for all.
Let Your Hooves Breathe
You cannot do much about the fact that you have to wear shoes all day and every day, but when you get home, kick off your shoes and let your feet breath for a few hours. Remove your shoes, socks and stockings, wash your feet and then walk around barefoot or in open-toe slippers for a few hours. Your feet will thank you later.
Trim Your Nails Often
Not only do long and unshaped toe nails look really, really ugly – they can also be extremely painful if you don’t nip them in the bud before they develop into ingrown nails. Make it a point to cut your toenails every fortnight and shape them in the way that you look. Of course, be careful not to cut them too short either because this might lead to bleeding or pain.