Today was a real rest day. No gym, no physiotherapy, no schedule to chase. Just enjoying the first day of the year. I skipped breakfast, slept in, and let the morning unfold slowly.
Eventually, we decided to look for a brunch place. That turned out to be harder than expected. Everything was full, and after about twenty minutes of walking, we finally found a spot. Not ideal, but manageable.
On the way back, we stopped at a park by the river. The knee felt noticeably better today. Swelling is still there, but movement is easier and more fluid. From time to time, stiffness shows up, but it resolves quickly with rest and elevation. The rubbery noise is still present, especially in the morning, but at this point it feels like part of the healing process rather than something alarming.
Back at the hotel, I iced and rested, then we headed out for karaoke night. A twenty-five-minute taxi ride is still not very comfortable, but it is significantly better than at the start of the trip. Progress, even if slow, is clear.
Most of the evening was spent sitting on the sofa with my daughter sleeping on my lap. After that, I decided to skip the rest of the night and head back to the hotel with her. We ended the day quietly, watching TV, icing, and elevating my leg.
Nothing ambitious today. Just recovery doing its job.
Key Takeaways
- True rest days help swelling and stiffness settle
- Movement feels easier when fatigue is reduced
- Stiffness resolves faster with timely rest and elevation
- Long taxi rides are improving but still need limits
- Quiet evenings support both physical and mental recovery
- Starting the year gently feels right