5 Tips for Pain-Free Holidays
By Brandi Goodman
The holiday season fast approaches. You may find yourself in pain most years as you attempt to put up decorations, get your Christmas shopping done, wrap gifts, and cook large meals for your get-togethers. Pain shouldn't be part of the equation, though. If done right, you can have pain-free holidays. You just need to keep a few tips in mind.
Shop Online
Shopping in-person isn't necessarily the norm nowadays. Online shopping options and home delivery services have made it possible to stay home and let others do the work for you. If you already have a bad back or there's just too much to do, then shop online for your holiday gifts this season. You can have them delivered right to your door and don't have to worry about lugging heavy bags back to your car.
Have the Whole Family Decorate
Decorating for the holidays should never be a one man job. Have the whole family decorate to ensure the work doesn't fall on your shoulders alone. It will save you some discomfort. It's also a great bonding time. Live alone? Invite some friends to help or you can even hire a professional.
Eat a Nutritious Meal on Party Day
Perhaps it's not back pain that you're used to experiencing around the holidays, but stomach pain. Too many people fail to eat all day long as they prepare for a holiday meal with family. This can leave your stomach aching and you with little energy. It's wise to eat a nutritious meal to start your party day. That way, you won't be tempted to overindulge at your get-together and you won't suffer from a sour stomach when you do.
Wrap Standing Up
You may have spent years past hunching over your gifts and wrapping paper on the floor. This undoubtedly left your back in severe pain. You may have even struggled to stand for a while after. Try to wrap standing up this go-around. It can prevent hunching and ensure your back is left in normal condition when you're done -- not aching.
Find Time for Exercise
Failing to use all your muscles can cause them to be stiff and sore. You need to find time for exercise this holiday season so you can prevent pain and keep your body as strong as possible. You don't need to go to the gym for a hardcore workout. Just take the stairs instead of the elevator at work or go for a walk in the evenings to enjoy the Christmas lights. Fit in exercise anywhere you can.
Avoid pain this holiday season by utilizing these tips. You want to be able to enjoy your time -- not be laid up on bed recovering from a pulled muscle or slipped disc. Keep your holidays pain-free and handle the season easier than ever before.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Santee, Calif.