Feet on the Ground, Head in the Sun: A Summer Solstice Reminder for Staying Active and Intentional

The summer solstice is today!! It’s the longest day of the year & and it’s more than just a celestial milestone. It’s a natural invitation to slow down, look around, and reconnect with how we move through the world. As a podiatrist, I often think of this time not just in terms of sunlight and seasons, but as a reminder: your feet carry your body, but also your intentions.

And with longer days and warmer weather, many of us naturally become more active. Whether you’re walking more, hiking trails, running on the beach, or simply playing outside with your kids, your feet are working hard to support you. They’re often the first to feel the shift into summer — and the first to protest when we push too fast without care.

So today, in honor of the solstice, I invite you to take a step back and consider a few grounding, intentional ways to support your movement, your goals, and your feet.

1. Move More — But Move Intentionally

Summer can feel like a rush of energy. Longer days tempt us to pack in more activity, but it’s important to check in with your body first.

• Start slow and build up — especially if your activity level has changed.
• Warm up and cool down. Feet and ankles need just as much love as the rest of your body.
• Stretch your calves, roll your arches, strengthen your toes. These small routines make a big difference in preventing things like plantar fasciitis, arch fatigue, or overuse injuries.

Remember, activity is healthiest when it’s sustainable. Let movement be an act of presence, not just productivity. Maybe you just do a 5 minute walk around the block to get moving but you’re focused on engaging your core, buttocks, and legs. That’s worth more than mindlessly walking when we are trying to be intentional!

2. Listen to What Your Feet Are Telling You

Our feet are incredibly good communicators — if we learn to listen.

• A dull ache after walking? You may need more support.
• Recurring blisters or hot spots? Check your shoes (and socks).
• Pain that shows up during activity and lingers after? Don’t push through it — that’s a signal worth respecting.

The solstice can be a great time to check in: how are your shoes holding up? Do your sandals support your arch? Is it time to replace your insoles or revisit your gait? Do you want to talk about shoes, sandals, or your gait? Come see us at Arya Foot & Ankle!, Dr Arya enjoys those discussions so much and they can really help get you started!!

3. Stay Grounded — Literally and Figuratively

There’s something poetic about the fact that the summer solstice marks the moment when we’re tilted closest to the sun — and yet, our most important connection is still to the earth beneath our feet. I had a thoughtful patient tell me about “earthing” and I went on to watch the documentary. I’m not sure about all the validity, but as a podiatrist and a yoga fan of Eastern origin…I subscribe without hesitation to the notion that some intentional quiet breaths barefoot can help us all. 

So while you’re looking up and soaking in the light, keep your feet on the ground:

• In hot climates like Arizona, midday heat makes barefoot grounding a challenge. But early mornings or shaded natural surfaces can offer safe, brief moments to connect with the earth.
• Try standing barefoot for a few quiet breaths in the yard at sunrise, or doing a short balance exercise on a shaded patio.
• If barefoot time isn’t possible, even mindful walking in supportive footwear — noticing your posture, your steps, your breath — can help you reconnect with your body and your environment.

These small, intentional practices restore not only physical balance, but emotional clarity too.

✨ Final Thoughts: Your Feet Carry More Than Your Weight

This solstice, let your feet remind you: they carry your weight, your movement, and the direction you choose to go. So give them care. Move with intention. And as you chase the sun, don’t forget the ground that supports you every step of the way.

For expert foot care that keeps you moving, trust Arya Foot & Ankle. Your journey to a healthy, active, and grounded summer starts with happy feet! Call us at (602) 309-8788 or hop online at www.aryafootandankle.com to schedule an appointment.

(Photo from pexels.com)

Author

Dr. Shylaja Arya Dr. Arya is the owner of Arya Foot & Ankle, a podiatry practice that serves the greater Phoenix area with same day, Saturday, and lunch time appointments. She is a level 500 yoga instructor, tennis player, dog mom and shoe lover!