How many miles have you walked this Christmas and new year?

At this time of year, it is easy to find articles on the importance of getting fit and healthy, and in January we are all focused on becoming a better version of ourselves. 

We have all seen the adverts and the headlines… “new year, new you!” “365 days, 365 chances” #morningmotivation #getmoving #beyourbestself #livingmybestlife #smallsteps #everylittlehelps

Whilst most of the UK took time off to relax and unwind over Christmas and new year many of our Nurses and Practitioners were working hard to ensure patients were seen and treated.

If you wear a pedometer or a wearable fitness tracking device, you probably won’t be surprised to learn just how much walking a Nurse does during a typical 12-hour shift. In fact, we are sure many of you will bear the blisters to prove it.

A study carried out by specialist footwear manufacturers, Toffeln asked Nurses and other NHS workers to wear a pedometer and log their steps over a one-week period. This study discovered on average Nurses took 7,167 steps during a shift, the equivalent of 3.6 miles.

Taking this into consideration this means that during the Christmas period our Practitioners took more than 4.1 million steps and walked 2,052 miles, the equivalent of walking from Hallam Medical HQ in Sheffield to the Acropolis in Athens!

We all know the huge benefit to walking and keeping active, however, the downside of being in a job where you are on your feet all day is tired, aching feet.

If you get home after a long shift and suffer from aching feet follow our top tips to help you get through the day!

Our top tips for coping with aching sore feet.

Put your feet up.

One of the reasons for sore feet is swelling, so when you get home after a long shift, take off your socks or tights and put your feet up! Elevating your feet will allow blood and lymph fluid to exit the lower legs and return into circulation.

Raising your feet to at least the level of your heart is good for promoting circulation, but don’t cross your feet as this will stop the blood flow.

Wear good shoes.

Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly, are heavy or are not ventilated can cause sore feet. Even, the most confident stiletto wearer would struggle to complete a 12-hour busy shift in high heels so flats are a must for Nurses. If you wear lace-ups it is worth remembering to tie your shoes tightly, because loose shoes or flip-flop style shoes put more strain on your foot and lower leg muscles.

Soak your feet.

Soaking your feet in a warm salt bath can help to reduce pain and swelling, especially if the pain is caused by muscle tension.

We would love to hear how many steps you’ve taken, how far you have walked or your top tips for coping with sore and tired feet. Get in touch via our social media pages (links at the bottom of the page) and have your say.