5 Methods for Avoiding the Pains of Holiday Shopping

By Brandi Swieter

Pain can quickly set in when shopping for the holidays, as the heavy bags weigh down the shoulders and the hours of walking around trying to search for the perfect gift take their toll on the body. Holiday shopping can be made a bit easier if people know how to avoid the pains that come along with it. There are five possible methods for avoiding pain while shopping.

Switch Out the Purse for a Cross-Body Bag

Many women carry a large purse over one arm. This can drag the body down as it pulls on one shoulder, leading to poor posture and severe pain in various areas of the back. A cross-body bag that goes over one shoulder and hangs down around the waist of the other side of the body is far better suited for a shopping trip. The smallest size with just enough room to fit a phone and wallet is ideal.

Shop With a Cart

Particularly when shopping at malls, people tend to forgo the cart and simply stroll through the store picking up items as they please. Carrying around excess items like this can put a strain on the body and allow back pain to set in. It’s best to always shop with a cart when one is available so the items getting purchased can get pushed through the store safely rather than carried.

Go in the Morning

Too many people attempt to shop later in the evening, after they’ve just gotten out of work. The body is much more vulnerable to strain and pain at this time as it’s already exhausted from living through a whole day. Shopping first thing in the morning after the body has been well-rested is the better option, as it ensures a healthy body ready to tackle the task of shopping.

Take an Hourly Break

At least once an hour, it’s important to take a break. It’s never a good idea to just go-go-go without stopping. It will put far too much pressure on the body and cause exhaustion to set in quickly, leading to an increased chance of pain. Regular breaks will ensure shoppers can take the time to stretch and let their muscles recuperate for a bit before continuing.

Keep Weight Distributed

Never carry all shopping bags on one arm. The weight should get evenly distributed so the body is not tugged toward one direction. If the weight of the bags is not even, make it so by switching items around until everything held in both hands weighs the same.

Holiday shopping leads to pain quickly if people aren’t careful. With Christmas around the corner, many shoppers are out searching for all their last-minute gifts, trying to rush through the store to find everything they need on their list. By sticking to a ew methods, the pains of holiday shopping can be avoided so the body is able to handle all of the upcoming festivities of the rest of the season.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Roseville, Calif.


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