The best season of the year is here! Christmas is quickly approaching, the days are growing longer and colder, and the everyone is buzzing with the unique excitement that only the holiday season can bring. Here are some great tips from us at Innovative Chiropractic for staying healthy during the festive season.
1. Tree decorating
Take care of yourself while decorating your tree.
- Get assistance when moving a heavy tree. Remember to bend your knees when lifting and moving it so that your back is not required to do all the heavy lifting.
- Avoid twisting or stretching excessively to position the ornament on the ideal branch.
2. Christmas Shopping
Try to shop online to avoid crowded stores. It’s important that you are seated comfortably with a good posture and your screen is as close to eye level as possible. Take regular breaks to stretch your muscles
If you have the courage to face the masses, be careful to pace yourself. Don’t try to finish everything in one frantic rush. Take a few breaks to sit down and rest. Use a cart to carry your purchases, if not, be sure to evenly distribute the weight of your bags between each arm.
3. Gift wrapping
Try to split up the process of gift wrapping so that you can complete some of it while sitting on a chair with good back support, and some of it while standing at a countertop. Take frequent breaks or divide the task into multiple gift-wrapping “sessions” spread out over a few days.
4. Parties and get-togethers
Undoubtedly, this is a hectic time of year, and there are lots of get-togethers and after-work parties. Our best recommendation is to plan some downtime for yourself whenever you can. With your schedule, it could be challenging, but even an hour or two of rest can help you feel renewed. Overextending oneself won’t make for a fun Christmas.
5. Overindulgence
It can be difficult to resist overindulging when faced with all the delectable foods that are seasonal staples. Enjoying the calorie-dense treats of the holiday season is totally OK, but try to remember to keep it modest and try to balance things out. Make sure you’re getting enough water and as many fresh fruits and veggies as you can. Take a quick walk around the block to help your digestion.
6. No time to work out
You might find it challenging to fit in your normal exercise routine as things pick up and get busier. Don’t be too hard on yourself. The goal is to keep active as much as you can at this period.
7. Setting the table
Setting the table puts the body into positions that make the back vulnerable to injury. Try not to carry all the heavy dishes and other items to the table in one go. Avoid leaning over your table too far if you don’t have support, especially if you’re also lifting something heavy. You can support and stabilize yourself with one hand on the table if you need to reach to the center of it.
8. Roasting the turkey
Whatever the size or weight of your Christmas meal, it’s crucial to use proper lifting methods to prevent injury. When placing the turkey in the oven and taking it out again if your oven is lower than counter level, keep a straight back and bend both knees. As you carry the baking tray, keep in mind to hold it firmly in both hands and close to your body.
9. Clean up
When carrying dirty dishes to the kitchen, use both hands to hold the load firmly and keep it close to your body. If washing dishes by hand, periodically stretch and change positions. This helps to avoid the stiffness and pain of the back’s muscles. Of course, when loading a dishwasher, be careful to keep your back straight and bend your knees.
10. Black ice
We tend to forget how easy it is to slip on some black ice. When venturing outside in the chilly winter weather, we recommend you to keep this mind. Around this time of year, the last thing you want is a bad fall and possible injury. Even when it doesn’t appear to be very cold, be aware of the danger of black ice.
11. Manage stress
When you are starting to feel a little stressed or overwhelmed take five slow, deep breaths. Breathe in for four counts, and out for four counts. If necessary, repeat this throughout the day. You’ll feel more energized and calmer thanks to the increased oxygen.
12. Spend time enjoying this season
Take the time to truly appreciate everything that this season has to offer. Find something that makes you happy or peaceful, even if you don’t like this time of year, and take pleasure in it. Share this time with a generous heart and be kind to one another.
Please visit our website to discover more about our clinic, our amazing practitioners at Innovative Chiropractic, and how we can help you. We want to be your Mill Creek chiropractor.