I was very active as a kid. Not active as in organized sports or official training but an active kid as in playing and running around outside. When i was about 13 to 15 i lived in a group home with a huge garden that wasn't all level ground. That made for a lot of very fun games and because i've always been clumsy, a lot of opportunities for injuries.
I taught myself how to fall safely. Not from great heights or anything, just standing height or a step up. I taught myself how to fall if i tripped while running. How to catch myself and how to turn. How to move to avoid injuries.
I have POTS now, ankles that keep twisting, knees that give out and muscles that aren't strong enough. I have a neurological disorder that means i have episodes spasms and dystonia as well as partial paralysis and a lack of motor control.
Learning how to fall safely has kept me safe all these years. It's a skill that i am endlessly grateful i have.
I'm kind of a constant fall risk, but so far i've always been able to avoid any injuries more severe than bruises. I'm always able to get back up. On bad days and when leaving the house I use a wheelchair but even during flare ups i don't need it constantly.
Falling safely is so instinctive now, that even when i can't think during presyncope, i twist and catch myself. Even when my vision and hearing are gone, i land safely.
If there's one skill i recommend learning, especially as a kid, it's this. Learn how to fall safely.
