Your Guide to Keeping Your Feet Merry And Bright!

With the holiday season comes mental and physical stress. Your brain is in overdrive always thinking, planning, organizing and remembering. You know it's a good idea to take breaks and rest and write lists so you don’t forget any important details of the holiday. You know you should not try to store everything in your head and can check things off the list as you complete them. You know what else is working overtime during the holidays?

Your feet!

They take the weight of standing in long lines at the mall and help carry the load of the heavy Christmas packages. They support you while you walk and look and shop to find the gifts and buy the food for the season. After all the shopping, you then cram them into some dress shoes for the holiday gatherings and parties and dancing! You may also spend more time outside while wearing heavy winter boots to go with the family sledding, snowshoeing or walking. The uneven terrain can put more stress on the bones, ligaments and muscles in your feet and legs. The deep snow and uneven terrain makes your whole body work harder to stay upright. Lastly, you may be traveling for the holidays which means more line ups at airports or more sitting followed by more walking.

The feet play a crucial role in providing support, balance, and mobility for your body. They bear the weight of your entire body and provide a stable foundation for standing, walking, running, sledding, skiing and snowshoeing. They contribute significantly to maintaining your balance and proper posture. The arches of the feet actually act as a natural shock absorber and help to distribute your body weight evenly. The feet enable mobility and the complex structure of the foot, including the numerous joints and muscles which allow for a wide range of motion. The feet absorb the impact generated when the body makes contact with the ground during activities like walking or running which helps protect the bones and joints of your body from excessive stress.

How can you keep your feet amazing during the holidays?

Choose comfortable footwear (shoes and socks), especially if you are doing a lot of walking. Make sure the shoes have good arch supports and use orthotics or insoles if needed. Breathable socks will help keep your feet dry and prevent blisters. Taking breaks after a lot of walking or standing and elevating when resting can reduce pain and swelling. High heels can be fashionable and wearing them for extended periods can strain your feet. If possible, alternate between different types of shoes to give your feet a break.

Movements specific to the feet will help lessen tight and sore foot muscles. Toe flexibility exercises, foot and ankle circles, toe spreading movements and massaging your foot with a ball will make your feet feel much better. Yoga Poses such as Downward-Facing Dog and Tree Pose will help strengthen the muscles in the foot and ankle while improving balance.

Finally, listen to your body! Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain in your feet or lower legs. Stay hydrated while shopping to prevent any cramping and rest when you can. Be kind to your feet so they can get you through the holiday season without a lot of discomfort.

About Bobbi:

It's been quite a journey! Graduating from Simon Fraser University in 1994, I've dedicated my career to helping clients with their rehabilitation, particularly those recovering from motor vehicle accidents.

At Christmas time in 2018, my family experienced a roll-over accident, down a mountain in our brand new minivan. My entire family was in the vehicle, and thankfully I was the only one who was injured. The resulting concussion caused memory fog, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, and headaches.

Navigating the Western medical approach didn't provide the relief I sought. Despite being advised to rest, I persisted in working and caring for my family. After almost a year of frustration, a yoga therapist/kinesiologist introduced me to a different path. Through slow movements, body reconnection, and doing less, I surprisingly began to improve. This contrasted with what I'd been taught in Western medicine.

Curiosity led me to dive into yoga therapy training, and the changes were astounding. Symptoms lessened, energy increased, anxiety vanished. Inspired by my own transformation, I became a yoga therapist with a mission to help those who struggle and might be labeled with "chronic pain." I'm eager to guide others toward the change they deserve.