Japanese Habit #1: Take off your shoes at the door. (้ดใ่ฑใ) - kutsu o nuguru
Do you ever feel like walking around in a cloud of dirt and germs? If so, you're not alone. Most people track dirt and germs into their homes on their shoes every day. But a simple way to keep your home clean and healthy is to take off your shoes at the door.
In Japan, taking off your shoes at the door is customary. This is not only a sign of respect for your host, but it also has a number of practical benefits. Taking off your shoes helps to keep your home clean and sanitary, it can help you to be more mindful, and it can help you to connect with nature.
So, take off your shoes next time you come home and enjoy walking on a clean, healthy floor. You may be surprised at how good it feels.
The Benefits of Taking Off Your Shoes at the Door
In Japan, taking off your shoes at the door is customary. This is not only a sign of respect for your host, but it also has a number of practical benefits.
First, taking off your shoes helps to keep your home clean and sanitary. Shoes track in dirt and germs from outside, which can easily spread throughout your home if you don't take them off. By removing your shoes at the door, you can help keep your home cleaner and healthier.
Second, taking off your shoes can help you to be more mindful. When you walk around your home barefoot, you are more aware of your surroundings. You can feel the ground beneath your feet and be more aware of the sounds and smells around you. This increased awareness can help you to relax and de-stress.
Finally, taking off your shoes can help you to connect with nature. When you walk barefoot on the ground, you are able to feel the earth beneath your feet. This connection to nature can be grounding and calming. It can also help you to feel more relaxed and at peace.
If you are looking for a way to improve your health, reduce stress, and connect with nature, consider removing your shoes at the door. It is a simple habit that can greatly impact your life.
Here are some additional benefits of taking off your shoes at the door:
- It can help to improve your posture. When you walk barefoot, you are forced to use your core muscles more, which can help to improve your posture.
- It can help to reduce your risk of injury. When you wear shoes, you are not able to feel the ground beneath your feet as well, which can make it more difficult to balance and avoid injury.
- It can help to improve your circulation. When you walk barefoot, your feet are able to breathe more freely, which can help to improve your circulation.
- It can help to improve your sleep. When you sleep barefoot, your feet are able to cool down, which can help you to sleep more soundly.
If you are interested in trying this habit, there are a few things you can do to make it easier. First, ensure you have a comfortable place to put your shoes when you take them off. You may want a shoe rack or a bench for your entryway. Second, ensure your floors are clean and free of dirt and debris. You may want to sweep or vacuum your floors before you take off your shoes. Finally, be patient with yourself. It may take some time to get used to walking barefoot. But once you do, you may find that you enjoy it!