I went to the gym this morning. It was really empty. Like… REALLY empty: I was the only person who had booked in for the morning class when I arrived.
Note that his is not some sort of humble brag or patient shaming that I managed to make it there. This is more of my annual worry as a doctor: where is everyone? And those that in January, will be on some useless (and usually expensive) “detox” programme to “make up for it.”
And yes, I hear you, it’s busy: While I was in the gym, there were still cards to write, presents to hide, 47 WhatsApp messages about what colour tinsel for the halos in angel costumes and xmas parties and can I add more patients to my last clinic next week? and I now need to create a bronze age warrior costume for by Friday ….
I don’t know about you but the gym sounds even better now.
Making time to exercise (gym, walk, or whatever you do) doesn’t just stop that for a few minutes – it really can help with stress, clear thinking, reduce blood pressure, help maintain a healthy weight, and improve sleep. The impact on sudden lifestyle changes on the health is real (for example, the unusual increase in rich foods and alcohol or stress have a real impact on health for those at risk for heart disease, diabetes, or gout).
Back at the beginning of #HealthyHolidays ** I recommended you set priorities for the holiday season. If you did that activity, have a look back at the list: where was your time for health and self-care?
** Healthy Holidays is a virtual advent calendar posting on no/low cost ways to look after your family physical and mental health this holidays season.
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