Corns, and boils, and bunions, oh my! It’s rough being a foot. People say you’re smelly. You hardly get any attention. And, you’re constantly under pressure. Literally. If you have been neglecting your feet–the tender tootsies that have served you well over the years–tsk tsk. They deserve better. Thankfully, it’s not too late to make it up to them.
Only you can make your feet happy.
If you need to make amends to your trusty toed appendages, here are a few tips to get you started.
Soak Those Sandpaper Soles
The odds are that your overlooked hooves are drier than a microwaved lima bean. Thankfully, a super-charged foot soak will soften up the old shoe leather and return your skin to their former baby-soft glory.
“DIY Pedicure: Pamper Your Feet on the Cheap” recommends filling a bucket or large stockpot with warm water, adding a 1/4 cup of milk, and some Epsom salts to create a soothing and softening concoction. The milk will make your skin softer, while the Epsom salts clean your feet while improving circulation. While your dogs enjoy the suds, dive into your paperback or catch up on the episodes you missed of Outlander.
Wish Them a Good Night
You can actually give your feet a treat while you sleep. Yes, as you visit slumber land, your passed-over paws can luxuriate in the heavenly combination that is moisturizer and socks. Simply apply a generous coating of your favorite foot lotion, pull on a pair of cozy socks, and, in the morning, your feet will be silky soft. And happy.
If your heals are cracked, “Happy Feet: Home Remedies to Pamper Your Feet” suggests mixing one teaspoon Vaseline and the juice from one lime together, and rubbing the concoction on the dry areas until it is completely absorbed.
Show Them Colgate Isn’t Just For Smiles
In case your are scratching your head, wondering why the topic has switched to toothpaste–it will make sense in just a moment.
Nail polish is hard on your nails. Sure, it looks pretty, but it leaves the nail’s surface yellowed and, quite frankly, a tad bit unsightly. “How to Whiten Nails,” however, offers this advice. Apply a pea-sized amount of whitening toothpaste to each nail, rub it in with a nail brush or old toothbrush, let it sit for five minutes, and rinse it off. The process may need to be repeated a few times per week to achieve the desired effect.
So, there you have it. Toothpaste isn’t just for teeth.
Feet are Not Untouchable
We’ve all been there. Someone says, “rub my feet” and the intended masseuse recoils and responds, “Ew! I’m not touching those things.” The truth is that the foot–that has resided in a sock–is not the harbinger of toxic waste that we often perceive it to be.
The next time someone owes you a favor–or a few bucks–have them work it off through a foot massage. You may be required to scrub your feet well first, but the therapeutic benefits of a foot massage will be worth it. According to “10 Ways to Get Rid of Foot Fatique,” a foot massage will boost circulation in your feet and eliminate fatigue. Plus, it will let your feet know that you’re thinking of them.
So stop neglecting your most reliable mode of transportation. Soak them, rub them, and slather them with cream. And whatever you do, don’t overlook them.
What color do you love to paint your toes?