Curb Appeal Without Pain

By Donna Stark

It's all about the curb appeal, isn't it? You know what that is, right? The little touches of flavor you add to the front of your house and yard to give it more of a charming, sweet, or beautiful appearance. Most people try their hand at giving their home more curb appeal and everyone loves to look at it, but that doesn't mean it comes easily. There is actually a lot of hard work involved and unless your body is prepared for that work, you could be looking at a fair amount of pain down the road. Take a look at the following tips and suggestions on how to beautify your home without incurring any pain.

Wear the Right Shoes

Your feet are potentially going to be carrying heavy loads of yard debris, home improvement materials, and cumbersome tools, so make sure you are wearing the right kind of shoes. Skip the flip-flops and choose a pair that offers plenty of support and has good traction.

Warm Up Your Muscles

You wouldn't dream of starting an intense workout at the gym without warming up first, so make sure you do the same here. Before you begin your day of home improvements, fire up your muscles and engage your joints with some light stretches and physical activity.

Be Mindful of Your Back

Heavy lifting isn't the only thing you need to be careful with when it comes to your back. You also need to watch how you twist and turn it. So, when you do lift, make sure your feet are firmly planted on the ground and bend at your knees. Engage the muscles in your legs to help lift the weight and hold the item close to your body. Ask for help if it puts your body in an awkward position so you don't strain or stress any part of your back.

Grab Your Tools

Work smarter, not harder! If using a wheelbarrow will save you from extra lifting and if a proper-sized ladder will keep you from dangerous predicaments, then by all means, pull them out of storage! Sure, you may get a sense of pride when you accomplish the work on your own, but it will be hard to view your new curb appeal when you are in pain and stuck in bed.

Enjoy the View

If your enthusiasm to make your house look more like a home is in overdrive and you want to get it all done as soon as you can, make sure you are ready for whatever lies ahead. Taking care of your body before, during, and after some major work around the house is the only way you are going to be able to step back and enjoy the view. 

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