
Care for your feet even when you’re on a vacation!
On the first day of December, here is how your holiday begins: one busy schedule, “two” many things to do, three places to go, four people to meet and
a pair of feet with more cracks!
With a hectic lifestyle, travelling and work fill your time to the brim, causing you to neglect your foot care. What is a gal with a tight schedule to do? The trick is to prepare travel-size foot care for yourself! Here are six items you can pack into your backpack for your holiday heel fix.
Give your body a splash of hydration with a bottle of water.
Is your busy schedule keeping you occupied? More commonly than not, many people can be so busy that they forget to drink enough water! Coupled with the changing weather and environment, it further dries the body of its essential fluid, causing cracks in the skin, muscle cramps and even fatigue. Therefore, your priority is to replenish your water regularly to keep your body healthy. A 250ml or 500ml water bottle is your best friend to pack into your bag for your travels which you can even refill from time to time. Remember, your body consists about 70% water. For your body to function smoothly, you need to drink six to eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated. If you often forget, you can even set an hourly alarm as a reminder.
Ball up an extra pair (or pairs) of socks for warmth and support.
The next item on the list is just as vital. A pair of socks keep your feet warm and supported. This is because well-fitted socks cushion your feet from the impact of moving around a lot while keeping your heels safe from friction injuries. Socks that are too tight can restrict blood flow, and having those that are too loose and you can slip into a fall. Before you head off, check your socks for any holes and get a comfortable fit. Give yourself comfortable footwear so that you can move smoother and for a greater distance! As a bonus, having an extra pair of socks can keep your feet cosy from the cold monsoon weather.
Massage the fatigue away with a massage ball/ tennis ball.
Do you get tense muscles after a long day of exploring? Use this little ball of comfort to release the tension from even the soles of your feet. The base of the feet can cramp up from your daily activities. In such scenarios, you may need some help to un-cramp them. Before you start, apply massage oil to your feet, never run the massage ball over dry skin. The friction from this action can expose your heels to uncomfortable friction burns. Gently run the ball under and around your feet in a circular motion for a few minutes. After rolling through your heels, roll the ball up to your calves and thighs. Then, stretch your feet. Not only does it relieve stiff muscles, but it also smoothens the blood flow to your lower limbs.
Nail Clippers to give your nails a trim of maintenance.
During your holidays, you move around a lot to get things done. Those spaces can get infected as more gunk gathers each day. Moreover, long nails have the potential to grow inwards and wound the surrounding tissues. If you’re not careful, you may accidentally scratch yourself or another person with your long nails. Thus, you must constantly maintain your nails to prevent injury and promote healthy nail growth. Trim your nails across and leave about 1mm to 2mm. And, if your nail clippers come with a file, you can use it to file the edges afterwards. As dry nails can crack easily, the best time to clip your nails is after a shower. You can also soften your nails by soaking them in lukewarm water. To make your nails more flexible, try applying some nail oil after you have clipped them. Don’t forget to always sanitise your clippers before and after the session.
Towel down to keep bacteria and fungi growth away.
If you are visiting the East Coast in December, be prepared to dry your feet after being dampened by puddles of water from the heavy monsoon rainfall. Fungi and bacteria love to sink their feet into excess bodies of moisture. One of the infection hotspots is between your toes, an area which we often miss. This step also applies whenever you come out of the shower. Avoid rubbing the towel against your skin but pat your feet dry to prevent the skin from breaking. Along with drying your feet, it will be a great idea to remove, wash and dry your soaked footwear under the sun for the same reason.
Nourish your feet with Ellgy Plus for stronger feet.
Last on the list to pack is the trusty Ellgy Plus Cracked Heel Cream for extra moisturisation. Environmental changes can dry out your heels. These cracks can hurt if you do not care for them. Luckily, this lightweight product contains active ingredients that give you long-lasting hydration and nourishment wherever you go. The refreshing green Saccharide Isomerate serves as a moisturiser. As a natural source of omega 3, the Portulaca Extract strengthens the lipid layers so that the moisture stays longer within your skin. To make the holiday more fun, you can play your favourite tunes, throw in a foot massage or even have a pedicure session.
Stress and neglect are the recipe for cracked heels and delayed healing. Your feet are one of the major supports for your December adventures and five minutes of foot care go a long way. Hence, no matter how busy you get, spare yourself some time to give your feet some rest and the therapy they need. If you are looking for some days off, this holiday season is the time to do so!
References:
- https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/travel-skin-care-tips/
- https://www.weather25.com/asia/malaysia?page=month&month=December
- https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/personal-hygiene/nails.html#:~:text=Appropriate%20hand%20hygiene%20includes%20diligently,frequently%20with%20soap%20and%20water.
- https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/blow-dry-toes-after-shower
- https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/how-to-trim-nails
- https://www.thecrazytourist.com/top-25-things-to-do-in-malaysia/