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Welcome to The Physiotherapy Corner! A blog brought to you by Holywood Pilates and Physiotherapy from our little corner of Holywood, Sullivan Place. I am Erin, a Chartered Physiotherapist and it is my hope that reading this blog will inspire and entertain you, give you something to think about, and provide you with some tips and tricks for your health and well-being.
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year:
It is once again that time of year! The decorations come out, numerous commitments and engagements fill our calendars and the opportunity to over-indulge seems to present itself every day. Of course, if there was a time of year to over-indulge this is it; however, why not get a head start on your January exercise resolutions by starting in December?
Did you know that "Blue Monday" or January 16th is officially the most depressing day of the year and the day that people are most likely to give up their New Year's resolutions? Starting new habits in December gives you a better chance at sticking to your resolutions. Why? Creating a new habit can take time, and we all know that changing behaviour is challenging. If increasing your physical activity is on your list for 2023, know that starting to slowly increase your physical activity levels in December, will help to prepare and prime the body for increased exercise before you "officially start" in January. According to behavioural scientist BJ Fogg, author of Tiny Habits, one of the best ways to start a new habit is to tag a new behaviour on to one that you already do. I often use this tactic in Physiotherapy clinic to help people fit their home exercise programme into their daily life. Fogg suggests making a list of all of your daily habits and then choosing a few that would fit in well with the new habit. For example, if you are already out walking the dog and you want to increase your fitness, why not include speed intervals, or add an additional 10 minutes on, or challenge yourself by walking uphill.
I can hear you saying - but I am so busy, I do not have time, and I struggle to find time to fit in my exercise when it is not the holiday season! Well all of this may be true, but there are lots of ways that you can fit in some extra activity in December, some of which are listed below.
Not convinced? What about considering making physical activity a priority this December for the sake of your own mental well being, and possibly for those around you! When you think about it, the holidays can amplify all of the stresses that we live with throughout the year; money, seeing family, not seeing family, busyness, loneliness, and work pressures to name a few. Think about how much better you feel after a walk, run, class, sport, or an exercise session, and the science backs this up, as exercise is well known to release happy hormones and chemicals, regulate breathing and heat rate, and improve mood.
See below for a few ideas of how to make your December a more active time of year. After all what is a better gift to give to your friends and family than a healthier, happier and fitter version of yourself?
Active December Activities:
Take a walk: Whether you take a walk through Tolleymore, head to the beach, stroll along the greenway, or climb cave-hill, we are lucky enough to have beautiful scenery on our doorstep. If you are able to avail of them, our local National Trust properties, such as Castle Ward, offer amazing walking trails, with good facilities and often have special events on during Christmas time.
Hillsborough Castle Gardens: What better way to get into the spirit of the season and be active than walking around the light show at Hillsborough Castle Gardens?
Give the Gift of Health: Give someone a membership, class, or the means to attend a health professional. At Holywood Pilates and Physiotherapy we have Gift-Cards available in any denomination, that can be used for Physiotherapy, Class bookings, or on our range of active-wear. As an additional bonus you will receive 10% of the gift card value to spend on yourself!
Already booked a class or have fitness commitments? Make sure you attend! Or join a new one! Remember, that attending your class is good for your physical health, and mental health. Looking for a class that hits two birds with one stone? Try our new Mindful Movement class.
Christmas shop in Person: Online shopping has become so popular in the last few years; however, there is a lot to be said for actually seeing what you are buying, and if you make a day of it, your step count can really get up there!
The 12 Days of Fitness: The internet, and possibly your workplace is full of “12 days of fitness” challenges - why not take part this year, or create your own challenge with friends or work colleagues.
Go ice-skating! Ok, so we are not in Canada where the Rideau Canal freezes and offers us 7.8km of outdoor skating amazingness, but never the less there is a local ice rink available. Hot chocolate is a must afterwards.
Continue old or start new active traditions: How about a boxing day swim in the sea, a St Stephens Day hike, or start January 1st off with a 10K run.
Couch to 5K: Start your Couch to 5K at the start of December and you will be half way through by the time January 1st comes around.
Walk the Gobbins: The famous cliff-walk in Islandmagee is available to book right up until December 31st. Please check their health and safety information before booking.
Thanks for taking the time to read The Physiotherapy Corner, have a safe and happy holiday season and all the best for the New Year!
If an injury or disability is preventing you from active travel, consider attending Physiotherapy with us to see how we can help.
Disclaimer: Please note that the opinions expressed above are those of the author and always remember to seek medical advice before starting any new exercise programme.
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