Jingle and mingle this Christmas without the stress. Or, at the very least, give yourself the best chance of enjoying the festive period without the usual pressure.
Over the years, I’ve written about the problems caused when wearing a scarf and scrunching your shoulders against the cold. Reminded you to bend your knees when lifting the turkey and suggested you wrap presents at a table or on the ironing board. Actually, I might not have mentioned the ironing board before, but you can adjust the height, so a great option!
I’ve talked about the importance of warming up and down and staying hydrated when exercising, even when it’s cold. Shared tips for staying motivated in Winter and keeping up with the fitness routine. And how to prevent slips and falls. I’ve even shared exercises, so you are fit to jingle the whole festive period long.
Not much I haven’t covered.
Leaving me to wonder what pearls of wisdom I can share as 2022 draws to a close.
The one thing that comes to mind instantly is to seek help before the pain is too much. Something I have written about before. But at Christmas, with so much going on and to get done before the big fella in the red coat arrives, worth another mention.
Too often, we see patients who have put up with pain, an ache or niggle. Putting it down to old age or being too busy to call us. This can mean a longer recovery time and can result in another injury. Because as I’m sure you’re aware, the toe bone’s connected to the foot bone, the foot bone’s connected to the ankle bone, the ankle bone’s connected to the leg bone. Did you sing it?
But let’s loop back to Jingle and Mingle without the pressure!
If the last few years have taught us anything, we should be kind to ourselves. However, taking care of our well-being and mental health can be more challenging at this time of year. So, here are a few of my tips:
- Remember, Christmas Dinner is just a roast dinner and one day. You won’t need eight different vegetables, and you don’t need to see everyone on the same day.
- More than ever, being together is worth so much more than a gift. So, instead of scrolling the internet or rushing around the shops like a sprint runner elf think small, unusual, and unique.
- If you set budgets, stick to them. Just because you managed to shop under budget because of Cyber Monday, Wibbly Wednesday or Black Friday – you don’t have to rush around now to spend the balance. You are done.
- If you are hosting Christmas this year, who can help? Can Auntie Merry bring the cheese, Tinsel Terry prepare and bring the vegetables, or Bauble Beryl make her tipsy trifle?
- Block a day in your diary between Christmas and New Year to snuggle on the sofa. Just remember not to tuck your feet under your bottom. And if the tree is in the way and blocking your view from your favourite chair, move (you, not the chair).
- Use a ladder for decorating and putting up the lights. And if you’ve already done that with or without a ladder – this is your reminder to take them down safely. No balancing on a footstool or chair, please.
- Call us to book your relaxing message in January. So we can ease the knots and remove any residual stress you are left with.
The last was a little tongue-in-cheek because we are always here for you. Not just at Christmas, and want you to jingle and mingle pain-free all year round.
So, this will be the last blog of 2022, which I’ve loved writing as much as all the others. Meaning I’ve just one job left. Which is to… wish you a Merry Christmas, and 2023 is all you desire and wish it to be.
