How to maintain your daily health routine with a house full of family and friends!
Disruptions to your daily health routine over the holidays are inevitable with lots of visitors in your home, particularly when there are grandchildren in the mix. However, you shouldn’t avoid having visitors or going out. This just means that you need to be a little more organised and prepared!
Surrounding yourself with family and friends is great for not only your mental health and physical wellbeing, but it can also help create wonderful memories for your grandchildren. With this mind, here are some tips that the physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians and podiatrists at Mobile Rehab have put together to help you look after your health over the holidays!
Tips for looking after your health
Communication with your family is key to ensuring you maintain your health during the holidays. In other words, let your family and friends know what you do, when you do it, and how it needs to be done. This means that they will be aware, and more mindful of your health in what can be a crazy time of the year.
At home:
- Write out your weekly routine (appointments / medications / exercise) and place it somewhere visible to everyone (like the fridge).
- Have ‘quiet time’ set aside for each day, even if only 30 minutes. Include this on your routine outline.
- Minimise your falls risk by setting a designated area for toys.
- Stay cool – use your fans or air conditioning.
- Stay hydrated with water.
- Don’t try and be the hostess / host with the most-ess! Involve family of all ages in the preparation and clean up of meals.
Out and about:
- Always take any walking aids with you.
- Have an exit plan in case you need a rest. Discuss with family that you may need to leave early or need a quiet place to have a rest.
- If going out for an extended time make sure you pack your medications.
- Stay hydrated with water.
- If you get swollen feet, find a place to elevate them.
- Visit places where there is air-conditioning ie. cinemas, shops, local library.
While setting these plans is a great idea, make sure you stick to them and let your family and friends know. Consequently, so they will understand what needs to happen to ensure you are able to maintain your health over the holidays.
If you’re having your elderly parents come and stay, have you thought about having your own house assessed by an OT (occupational therapist)? As a result, you can ensure your house is a safe environment and minimise falls risk to make life easier for your parents. Get in touch with us if you have any questions.
Safe holidays everyone!
Ph: 1300 363 483
www.mobilerehab.com.au