December is a month filled with warmth, celebration, and festive cheer. While it’s a wonderful time for connecting with loved ones, the change in routine can be tiring. This guide offers gentle, practical advice to help you enjoy the festive season to the full, while staying safe, comfortable, and active at home.
Key Takeaways
- Enjoy the festive season by carefully balancing periods of activity with rest.
- Adapt tasks like cooking or wrapping presents to make them more comfortable.
- Ensure your home remains safe and clear of hazards, especially with decorations.
- Incorporate short, simple exercises to help maintain your strength and balance.
In This Article
Navigating the Festive Season with Confidence
The key to a successful and enjoyable December is pacing. The festive period can be busy, with more visitors and activities than usual. It’s important to listen to your body and not feel pressured to do too much. By planning ahead and breaking down larger activities into smaller, manageable steps, you can conserve your energy for the people and traditions that matter most to you, ensuring you navigate the month with confidence and joy.
A Physiotherapist’s View: Staying Steady and Strong for Festivities
During the festive season, we often find ourselves standing for longer, whether chatting with family or helping in the kitchen. Maintaining lower body strength is key to managing these tasks comfortably. Balance is also crucial, especially if you’re navigating a home with more furniture, decorations, or people than usual. By incorporating simple falls prevention strategies into your daily routine, you can feel much steadier on your feet. Even a few minutes of gentle exercise each morning can help prepare your muscles and joints for the day ahead.
An Occupational Therapist’s View: Practical Tips for a Joyful December
From an OT perspective, the goal is to participate in meaningful activities safely and comfortably. With some simple adaptations, you can fully engage in the festive fun. The right advice from an occupational therapist can make a real difference. Consider these practical tips:
- Adapt Your Tasks: Sit down at a table to wrap presents or prepare vegetables instead of standing at a kitchen counter. Use a lightweight trolley to help you move items from the kitchen to the dining table.
- Pace Yourself: Break down larger jobs into smaller sessions. You don’t need to write all your Christmas cards in one go—do a few each day.
- Keep Your Home Safe: Festive decorations can introduce new trip hazards. Be mindful of trailing wires from lights and ensure rugs are secured. Keep main walkways clear so you can move around easily.
Recommended At-Home Exercises
Safety First: The following exercises are for general guidance only. They should be performed in a safe, clear space, and you should stop immediately if you feel any pain. It is always best to consult with a qualified physiotherapist before starting any new exercise programme.
1. Calf Raises
Stand tall while holding onto a sturdy surface like a kitchen counter for support. Slowly raise your heels off the floor, pushing up onto your toes. Hold for a moment, then gently lower your heels back down. This strengthens your calves and helps with balance.
Reps & Sets: Aim for 10–15 raises. Complete 2 sets.
2. Chair Squats
Stand in front of a sturdy chair with your feet hip-width apart. As if you are about to sit down, slowly lower your body until you lightly touch the chair, then push back up to standing. This is a great functional exercise for leg strength.
Reps & Sets: 8–12 reps. Complete 2 sets.
3. Wall Angels
Stand with your back against a wall, with your feet slightly forward. Try to keep your head, shoulders, and bottom in contact with the wall. Place the back of your arms against the wall. Slowly slide your arms up the wall and back down, like making a snow angel. This is excellent for posture.
Reps & Sets: 8–10 gentle slides up and down.
Wishing You a Safe and Happy Festive Season
December is a time for enjoyment and celebration. By listening to your body, making small adaptations to your home and activities, and keeping up with gentle movement, you can ensure your festive season is not only merry but also safe and comfortable. We wish you and your family a very happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.
The information in this article is intended for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
