So it’s the season of hustle and bustle! Busy shopping, busy baking, busy planning, busy celebrating and, for most of us, busy working out trying to fight the holiday bulge! That means a lot of time on your feet! So here are some tips on how to keep your feet off your naughty list this year....
1. Spend some time off your feet….OK seems like an obvious one, but if you're shopping, take a 15 minute break to sit down and have a coffee or a snack. Giving your feet just this short break can often keep you going for hours without aches and pains. At the parties, seek out the sofa instead of standing all night. When you are decorating cookies, sit at the table...don’t stand at the counter.
2. Get an anti fatigue mat...If you love to bake or cook and spend a lot of time in the kitchen I recommend investing in an anti fatigue mat. You can get these at any cook stores and even Kohl’s carries them now. They decrease the stress your feet take while standing on those hard kitchen floors. An investment with a BIG payout!
3. Pick sensible shoes…OK, OK I’m a girl at heart to and if you see me out with the girls or on a date with my husband, you will see my cute black boots that are totally NOT podiatrist approved. So if you’re going to a party put on the cute shoes! But for Pete's sake...don’t shop in them! Grab your gym shoes or comfortable flats for any activity that doesn’t require you to look super chic.
4. Buy a pair of insoles. If you asked me on any given day I would tell you if you have foot problems typically custom made orthotics would serve you best. HOWEVER what I don’t get asked is how to prevent foot problems. I think some over-the-counter insoles can really improve your bio mechanics (or how your foot works). I recommend Powersteps and sometimes Lyncos. Be sure to have them fitted in a Doctors office so you end up with the right ones. These insoles can go a long way to keeping your feet healthy.
5. Take some time for you…OK so this tip doesn’t have as much to do with your soles as it does your SOUL! A few years ago my mom taught us the best lesson...she STOPPED making Christmas dinner. We were shocked. “What do you mean appetizers and sandwiches?” we all wondered. But my family is HUGE and preparing a sit down meal for all of us was not the way she chose to spend her day. Instead, now, she watches cartoons and plays with her grandchildren and sits over a cup of coffee and chats with her daughters. Remember what this season is for, celebrating and appreciating those we love so much. Worry less about the gifts and the dinner being perfect...and more time on what is important.
Many Blessings and Healthy Feet .....Dr Misty McNeill
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