Thinking on your feet, cold feet, square feet, two left feet, six feet apart … for all of the time you’ve spent staring at your feet, how well do you really know them? Did you know that it takes a quarter of the bones in the human body to make up the humble human hooves? Feet come with complex customs, loads of different footwear options and an important etiquette guideline.
Yet it seems feet are somewhat of a divisive topic in modern society. There is a spectrum of love when it comes to feet. While some of us shudder at the thought of touching, looking at or catching a whiff of feet, others adore them.
Fortunately for all of the “podophobes” out there, the foot shake seems to have been soundly beaten by the elbow bump in the race for COVID-19 pandemic greeting glory. But love ’em or hate ’em, feet are here to stay.
Foot etiquette
Much like dress codes, emails and dinner tables, there are etiquette guidelines to keep in mind when it comes to your feet. Australia’s barefoot culture is becoming increasingly common, especially in coastal towns. But according to etiquette expert and founder of etiquette training school The Standard Companion, Ana Retallack, going barefoot anywhere besides the beach, pool or health spa is a social faux pas.
“Whilst bare feet on the beach is socially acceptable, coming off the beach and wandering into the supermarket to purchase a box of crackers and dip to take back to the beach is best done with shoes on from a health and hygiene perspective,” explains Retallack.
This story is from the Issue 192 edition of WellBeing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 192 edition of WellBeing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Avoid the Beauty Hype
Save money, improve your health and contribute to environmental sustainability by creating your own beauty products at home.
Fill your life with delicious scents
Fill your garden with scents and enjoy the sense of tranquillity and quiet joy that comes with them.
Protein - the building blocks of beauty
Chicken, turkey, beef, pork, lamb and organ meats such as pâté are all rich sources of high-quality protein.
Skincare that really cares
We put Sanctum's most popular products to the test and see why they're loved and adored by all.
Chelsea Pottenger - CARING FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Chelsea Pottenger, a mother, ambassador, keynote speaker and the founder and director of EQ Minds, is dedicated to reshaping the corporate landscape of mental health.
Green Beat
All the latest in environmental issues
Community-based prepping
Is the future going to look like it does at the present? Or might there be unexpected challenges? The answer is that challenges are likely and if not now, then soon. The real question becomes how we will respond to that disruption and achieve sustainable positive outcomes as a result.
Rest, roll and recover
Your body requires proper care and attention to function at its best. Just as you fuel your body with nutritious food, you must also provide it with adequate rest and recovery to maintain optimal health.
THE IMPORTANCE OF STILLNESS
In a busy world we say, \"Who has time for stillness?\" But the question should be: \"What are we really missing out on by not prioritising silent and soulful solitude?\"
Cucumbers
Cucumbers hydrate you and have potential antidiabetic, lipid lowering and antioxidant activity.