How to Handle All That Holiday Decorating
By Brandi Goodman
Use caution when handling your holiday decorating. Rush through the process and you're bound to be left feeling sore. Bend and twist and fail to follow the lifting protocols you know, and you're also likely to feel uncomfortable. You need to decorate wisely so you can get through the process without aches and pain.
Make It a Family Affair
Decorating alone will take quite some time. Not to mention, it will be hard on your body. It's best to make it a family affair and ensure everyone helps out. That way, one person isn't tackling all of the work and left in pain afterward. If you live alone, try inviting a friend over to help, or ask a neighbor.
Keep Supplies Close By
Don't grab an ornament from a box, place it on the tree, and walk back across the room for another. It's better to have all your supplies close by so you don't have to overexert yourself or use up all your energy too quickly. Make sure you have plenty of extra hooks, all your ornaments, lights, and necessary tools or supplies within arm's reach.
Remember the Lifting Protocols
Lifting protocols say to lift with your legs, and not your back. You shouldn't be bending over at the waist, trying to pick up heavy boxes with your holiday decor. Instead, squat down at the knees and pick up the box carefully, keeping it close to your body. Stand back up slowly and keep your spine straight so you don't hurt your back in the process.
Tuck in Your Cords
Never leave long cords across the floor. Do what you can to keep them tucked along the wall or covered up so they don't become a tripping hazard. Just one small trip can lead to serious disaster. It's easy to throw out your back or fall and break something simply because you tripped on a cord you're not used to in your home.
Try a Back Brace
You could always try a back brace as well. That will offer you some stability and support when you try to carry heavy loads and get large boxes moved from storage to the main room.
Decorating can quickly lead to pain if you aren't careful. Keep these tips in mind so you're more likely to get through the process free from discomfort. You want to be able to enjoy the holidays, not be laid up in bed for days with a bad back you developed from decorating improperly.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in St. Charles, Mo.