As the festive season approaches, it’s a time for joy, celebration, and reflection. While it can be a time full of hustle and bustle, it can also be an opportunity to step away from our regular habits and routines and introduce some reinvigorating lifestyle changes – changes that will benefit your physical and mental health. Think of it as a circuit breaker – a chance to break some habits and start the new year renewed. We’re going to give a few easy changes a go this holiday. How about you? Of course, it can be hard to change our habits when pain holds us back. So, if you’ve got aches or injuries call us on 9254 9889 so the team at TM Physio can get you moving and feeling better, ready for a healthy habit holidays.
Here are three festive lifestyle hacks to make your holiday season extra special:
1. Don’t Screen Yourself Off; Come Together for Some Festive Board Game Fun:
In this digital age, it’s easy to get lost in the virtual world, spending hours on screens for work and for entertainment. So much so that even when we get some downtime our hands keep twitching for our phones. Why not take a break from your devices while you take a break from work? Instead of being glued to your screens, invite family and friends to a good old-fashioned board game night. Board games are an opportunity for endless fun and laughter. Dust off some classics like Monopoly or Scrabble, or opt for newer, engaging games that suit your group. A game of Charades requires no equipment at all and might get energetic enough to burn some Christmas calories! So, turn off those screens, roll the dice, and let the festive board game tradition begin!
2. Don’t Turn into a Spud on the Sofa – Step into Daily Christmas Adventures Instead:
The temptation to collapse on the sofa during your holiday downtime is real. Festive movies call to you. And Christmas preparations on top of an already busy year might have you exhausted. But collapsing on the sofa only makes you more tired. We’re not saying you need
to push yourself to your edge at the gym everyday – unless you want to – and you’d be surprised how quickly the edge moves if you do…. But we are saying you should get out for a walk every day of the holidays. (Or dance in your living room, or challenge the family to backyard games, or play Musical Statues… Just keep moving and grooving in whatever way you enjoy.) Did you know that exercise (even moderate, leisurely exercise) immediately after a meal significantly reduces blood sugar spike risk? This reduces risks of developing diabetes and will keep your energy and clarity even throughout the day. So, get in the habit of a post prandial perambulation (a walk after eating) after big meals this holiday and keep the potatoes for Christmas dinner!
Invite a friend, family member, or even your four-legged companion to join you. It’s an excellent way to have quality conversations, admire the festive decorations, and stay active. Plus, the change of scenery will lift your spirits, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and ready to embrace the holiday season with a bounce in your step.
3. Start Something New – Just for You:
Why wait for New Year’s resolutions? Kickstart something new right now to boost your creativity, fuel your sense of adventure, stimulate your brain, enhance your adaptability, and expand your knowledge. It could be something as simple as reading a book you’ve been hoping to get to, practicing mindfulness, incorporating a new stretch or exercise into your routine, or exploring new foods.
By embracing something new, you infuse your holiday season with a sense of novelty and anticipation. It’s an excellent way to create memorable experiences and strengthen relationships.
In conclusion:
This festive season let’s rest and relax in healthy ways. Let’s connect with loved ones, maintain an active lifestyle, and embark on exciting journeys. (And remember to drink lots of water, stress less, and enjoy the Christmas fruit and vegetables as well as the sweets and the cheese!) Enjoy your holiday whatever you do. We look forward to seeing you at TM Physio again soon. We will be taking a short break over the holidays ourselves to rest and reset so call us on 6254 9889 to make an appointment if you would like to see us before the end of the year.
Have a happy, healthy, holiday.
By the way, did you know we’re on social media too. We love to share healthy hacks and fun facts on Facebook and Instagram. We hope to connect with you there. (But not over the holidays when you’ll be too busy playing board games!)