Stephen Baker’s 2021 in Review

Squamish – Butt Lite 5.9

What a year to finally have come to a close.

There were promises of a mask free Covid world as the vaccine rolled out. Governments quickly reneged on the mask free promise as they realized masks were providing considerable protection. We resumed organized sports, got outside and visited friends. Many of us planned small getaways and enjoyed exploring our own backyards instead of overseas travel. It’s likely that all of us have profound appreciation for the wonderful people in our lives, now that we can more liberally spend time in their company.

The year included a renewed resurgence of clients seeking physiotherapy. I am grateful to be able to guide most of you on your journey to recovery. To those people whom I wasn’t able to guide back to full function, I hope you have found a way back to health and are thriving in your lives.

Myself, I continue to cycle, run and sing with Chor Leoni Men’s Choir. I now prioritize 30 minutes of outdoor activity each day. I walk to and from the clinic midday, rain or shine, and it helps me clear my mind and improves my energy and my mood.

This year has been a year of reflection, pondering questions such as ‘Am I overbooked?’ and ‘What would happen if I gave myself an abundance of extra time between each engagement?’. A client introduced me to the phrase ‘5 minutes early is 10 minutes late’ and I’m busy putting 20 minute buffers between my commitments. It isn’t easy to convince myself to wake up 20 minutes earlier for each 7 am clinic start, but the extra time sure creates a moment to breathe and collect myself that reduces the stress I feel on a daily basis.

Covid has taught all of us the importance of personal connection. Covid has also taught us that many of our jobs can be done remotely and how much time is regained when a commute is eliminated. Our challenge going forward will be how we maintain personal connection in our workplaces while reducing the stress of travel by working from home.

Regardless of your home and work office balance, I encourage all of you to get outside into the sunlight for 30 minutes each day, and enjoy some stillness in your lives.

I wish you all a fulfilling holiday season this year and I look forward to seeing you in January and beyond!

Stephen Baker graduated from Western University with a Masters of Physical Therapy. He has a passion for helping people who have sustained a fracture or had surgery regain full function and return to their daily adventures. Book with Stephen today.