Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for- the holidays! Everything that has happened this past year, and everything that is still currently going on, has made 2020 one of the craziest years I can remember. I know most people will agree when I say I think everyone is ready for a little holiday spirit. Hopefully you can be with your friends and family during this time (safely, of course).
At our clinic, we’ve been doing our best to decorate and get into the holiday spirit– and it has really made a difference! It’s easy to be negative about everything that’s happening, but when someone in our office cracks a joke, or tells a funny story, it makes us all laugh and remember to not take everything too serious.
With Halloween already happening, then Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and everything else coming up in the next few months, I thought I’d give you some tips on how to make sure you stay healthy and active so you can enjoy the holidays!
1. Keep moving. It’s easy to get swept up in the hustle-and-bustle of holiday planning, but make sure you’re putting your health first and staying active. Whether this is outdoor walks, going to the gym, or participating in therapy of some kind, make sure you’re not just sitting on your couch, waiting for Christmas to come!
2. Meditate. This may sound a little hippie, but it really works! In previous newsletters and virtual lectures, I’ve talked on the importance of remembering to take deep breaths every once in a while, writing down what you’re grateful for, and just focusing on what’s really important! Something that I try to do everyday in the morning is remind myself what I’m grateful for. It puts me in a positive headspace, and makes my day go by much better than just waking up and thinking “oh man, I’ve got all of this stuff I have to do today, I’m not looking forward to it.” Every day is a new day! Try it, you’ll be surprised how small of a thing it is to do, but how big of an impact it can make in your day-to-day.
3. Maintain a good diet. Part of staying healthy is not only exercise, but a good diet. Make sure you’re staying hydrated (even in winter Texas can get hot), and eating plenty of protein and fruits and veggies. Take some vitamins too! Vitamin D and C are great immunity boosters, and the more immunity you can build up the better! With Coronavirus, and now flu season approaching, you won’t want to miss out on anything by getting sick!
4. Keep yourself and others safe. Wear a mask, distance six feet from others, and make sure you’re washing your hands and sanitizing the areas around you. Everyone seems to have different levels of seriousness when it comes to the Coronavirus, but regardless, as essential health providers we will always urge you to be on the side of caution! Remember to respect others as well, as being kind is part of the holiday spirit, right?
5. Get rid of clutter. There are so many things happening around the holidays, make sure you’re avoiding tripping over that box of decorations, and having a clutter-free home so you don’t stress! We’ve had a Virtual Happy Hour lecture before where our guest speaker talked about the crazy statistics of how much your surroundings affects your mental state, so take it from an expert like her!
6. Go outside. I need to say as a disclaimer, this should only be done safely due to the pandemic! Getting fresh air and connecting with nature always makes me feel better, and I know a lot of us have been cooped up in our homes, whether we’re working, doing virtual school with our kids, or just not able to leave, try and get out! Adding variety to your day makes the time go by faster, and you’re happier when a pattern is broken!
7. Enjoy the little things. If this year has taught us anything, it’s that every day counts. Make sure you’re telling the people in your life that you appreciate them, and stay positive. A positive attitude is the best way to tackle any difficult situation head-on!
Make sure you’re putting your best foot forward for the holiday season, and I hope everyone can make the best of 2020!
…DID YOU KNOW???
If you’ve been following us for the last few months you may already know this, but Virtual Physical Therapy sessions are covered by Medicare! If you’re not wanting to venture out, but need help, we’re here for you. We offer technical support for anyone having issues with their sessions, but if you can click a link, you can master Virtual PT! Call our clinic at 512-730-0231 to speak with a representative about if Virtual PT is right for you, and how we can help you get back to a happier, healthier, more independent life!
