The sun shining on the fluffy, white, snow-covered branches casts a sparkle outside my office windows and reminds me of the beauty present during our southeastern Wisconsin winters. But the COLD... that's something else entirely!! It makes me realize why my parents are snow-birds. These harsh temperatures make it difficult to get outside and connect with nature and take in the grounding, Earth energy beneath our feet. Heck, its even hard to walk from my car through the parking lot and into the building some days!! There is something fun about seeing the footprints in the snow as humans and animals make their way around despite the sub-zero temperatures. Seeing some footprints today gave me an idea that I thought would be fun to share with you!
This winter, as you nestle inside, take some time to treat yourself well starting with your feet. Your feet are such amazing structures, providing the foundation on which all other parts of your body rely for your balance and stability. Part of living a well-balanced life is to have feet that feel and move well to help you stand, walk, and balance as you move around throughout your day. Whether you have foot pain, bunions, arthritic joints, are still recovering from a sprain or surgery, or want to prevent any of the aforementioned issues from joining your body's party, this post is for you. Because it is too cold here in the Midwest to do this activity outside, unless you're really brave like the person who walked in the picture below, let's get you set up to do a fun self assessment and easy foot treatment right in the comfort of your own home.
Footprint Self-Assessment
What you'll need: A piece of paper (preferably a colored paper) and a pen
Instructions: After a shower, bath, or Epsom Salt Foot Soak, before you towel off the bottoms of your feet, place your piece of paper on the floor and step on it, one foot at a time so you don't slip. Be sure to hold onto the wall or bathroom counter for support. Place the piece of paper on the counter and use the pen to draw lines around the wet marks, so you can better visualize the outline of your footprints.
As you look at your footprints, what do you notice? Circle A or B
1. Do you see that all 5 of your toes have left a mark on the paper? (A) Yes (B) No
2. Is your arch lifted off of the paper (A) or is it flat on the paper (B)?
3. Do your footprints look the same (A) or different (B)?
If you circled B for any of the above, your feet could use some self treatment. Here is an easy one below to get started. If you need more help, I'm happy to see you for even more specific treatment ideas.
Foot Self-Treatment
Toe Spread and Curl Exercise
Seated: While seated with your knees straight and heels propped on the floor, spread your toes apart from one another creating space between them as you pull them back toward your shin. Hold apart for 5 seconds. Now squeeze your toes as if you are a bird on a wire and point your feet down toward the floor. Hold the curl for 5 seconds. Repeat 3 times with knees straight.
Now bend your knees and spread and curl your toes again. Hold each position for 5 seconds, repeat 3 times. As you curl your toes and point your feet, your heels will rise up off of the floor.
Standing: If your balance allows, try this activity while standing. You may want to have a chair back, counter or wall nearby to use for balance if needed.
This exercise is a great way to get your feet, ankles and lower legs energized; as you improve the function of your toes you will build arch support from within. If you can commit to doing this self treatment 3 times/week until sandal season, your footprints will look much more ideal and your whole body will thank you!
Looking forward to helping you learn more ways to treat yourself well in 2024!
