Newsletter | December 06, 2021
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us. Shopping trips, holiday parties, barbeques, and other festivities keep us on the go this time of year. With so many distractions and fun to be had, it is easy to forget to take care of your feet properly.
Here are some specific things you can do to protect these essential body parts so you can get errands done, spend time with friends and family, and maybe even enjoy some well-deserved holiday vacation time.
Prevent foot and shoe problems from ruining your holiday shopping experience while pounding the pavement. The first thing is to plan out your shoe wardrobe before you shop. If you are going to shop after work, take a comfortable pair of shoes with you to change into, like sneakers.
While you're out shopping for others, think about replacing any old, worn-out shoes of your own. That goes for workout sneakers as well as for the boots you've been wearing for a few years now. Ideally, your sneakers should be replaced every 6-12 months, depending on how often you wear them and what you use them for. If you are at the gym everyday or love to run on concrete or roads, you may need to look at updating them every 3-6 months.
Christmas shopping can take a toll on your feet as well as your wallet. When you get home, put a towel around one foot, grasp both ends of the towel, and pull your toes toward you for 15 seconds, then release. Do this until you feel the soreness slip away. Then switch feet. Next, soak your feet in warm water with some Epsom salts, apply an essential oil such as Lavender, and massage the feet; it will relax and soothe the muscles. For those really sore arches, freeze a drink bottle before you leave for the shops and roll this underneath your foot to relieve the tension.
The holiday to-do list can make for a long day of your feet. Be sure to take frequent breaks to ease the impact and pressure on your feet. Sit down to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body with a cup of coffee and plenty of water. Your feet will thank you for the extra care and be ready for the next task at hand.