Over the holidays it can be hard to stick to any routine. Between long travel days, family visits, and just wanting to relax and take a break, it’s easy to set aside your regular routine to just focus on the present moment. And that’s okay!

But if you’ve been going to physical therapy, there’s good reason to try and keep up your PT exercises even over the holiday break. You’ve been in pain and it’s important not to regress and make things worse or stagnant. Even just by adding in 15 minutes of exercises regularly throughout the holiday period can be incredibly beneficial for your body – and mind! Chances are you’ll be sitting more over the break too, so pack those activation bands and try to get moving.

If you are traveling, it can be helpful to put an action plan into place before you go. Here are a few tips and ideas to keep you motivated:

If you’ve been seeing a physical therapist regularly and have been given exercises to do, plan out times of the day when you can get them in. Maybe it’s first thing when you wake up so that you don’t get sidetracked. Keeping a chart or log to help you track your success can also help. Even creating some sort of reward system – treating yourself each time you complete your exercises – can be a fun motivator too! Lastly, keep your ‘tools’ out where you can see them. If you incorporate mini bands into your routine, place them in a visible spot so that they won’t be ‘out of sight, out of mind’.

Chances are it might be harder to connect with your physical therapist over the Lunar New Year. Any questions you have, connect with your physical therapist before you leave. Be sure to book appointments in advance so that you don’t miss out on days and time slots that you prefer to come in. It can also be a good idea to ask for any additional exercises or routines that you can use over the break.

Be kind to yourself – it’s important to recognize that you might not be able to stick to your plan 100%. If you need to skip a day, or shorten a program, don’t be too hard on yourself. You might not also have the normal equipment that you usually train with. It’s not a bad idea to go through a list of the items that you will have access to and create a program – or consult with your PT – about what to do for modifications or adjustments.

Coming back to work and your regular routine can be just as busy – if not busier. If it’s full steam ahead back to work, make a schedule for yourself that you think you’ll be able to stick with when you return to your regular hours. Be sure to also book a follow up visit with your physical therapist as well. Chances are they will be just as busy as you are going back into work, so make sure to plan in advance.

Kindly check UP’s Holiday schedule below and plan your next visits accordingly. We wish all of our patients a safe and healthy Lunar New Year.