December is here! And you know what that means...
It's officially the holiday season! That can mean endless Christmas shopping and wrapping, lots of yummy baking, potentially dreadful shovelling and more. And with that can also bring some added stresses.
With December being arguably my favourite month of the year, here are a couple of tips to get you through the busyness of the holiday season, however you spend it!
1. If you are doing any last minute shopping (in person specifically), be sure to carry bags as evenly in both hands as possible! Also try taking trips back to the car to drop off some bags if your hands are starting to become too full.
- Don't be a hero and do it all in one go, your body will thank you later!
2. Always remember to bend from your knees when lifting (presents, food, luggages, children, etc.). Also try avoiding bending, twisting and lifting at the same time.
- Oh and, don't forget to ask for help when needed!
3. Now when it comes to wrapping presents (my favourite part, but most peoples least favourite part) wrap the right way! It may sound obvious, but you would be surprised how many people come in with back pain after wrapping improperly.
- Try to set up an appropriate station that is the right height for you (ie. stand at a table or a counter), avoid sitting for too long, bending forward too much or reaching too far for things.
- Do NOT sit on the floor, no matter how comfy you think it is at the time! You WILL regret it in the morning.
4. If (or when) that dreadful "S" word decides to make its appearance, here's a couple of tips and tricks when shovelling (PS. that "S" word is snow in case you didn't catch that...).
- Get the proper size shovel for your body.
- Push the snow rather than lifting it.
- If you do have to lift it, lift from your knees and avoid twisting while lifting.
- Keep the shovel close to your body.
- Try to switch hands periodically to prevent muscular imbalances.
- Keep your core activated.
- Shovel small amounts at a time (don't try to shovel it all at once).
- Take breaks throughout and warm up/stretch before and after.
5. Enjoy all the holiday treats and family dinners, but try to still eat nutritious meals in between as well!
- Definitely "treat" yourself and enjoy the holidays and all the food that brings (I know I will), but try to still eat enough protein, fruits/veggies, etc. to help keep yourself feeling energized and full (with the good stuff!).
6. Now when it comes to cooking or baking, try to stay as upright as possible and stand evenly on both feet (or shift your weight to both legs often). You can also try putting a mat under your feet or wear proper foot wear to help as well.
- Try to take breaks as well so you're not standing stationary for too long!
7. If you're traveling during the holidays (car, plane, train, whatever it may be) try to get up every hour or so to stretch your bodies!
- Sitting for long periods of time is never great for anyone, but you especially don't want to be in stiff and in pain while trying to spend time with family and friends!
8. Try to stay as active as possible still - however that looks for you! When things get busy during the holidays, we tend to put some things on the back burner (sometimes the gym or exercise is that thing).
- Whether you can't do your usual activities due to traveling or just enjoying time with family and friends, try to be active in any way you can!
- This can include walks with loved ones, games like Twister, family yoga/stretch sessions and more.
- Not only will this help limit any pain or stiffness you may experience, but it can also help with digestion and increase your endorphins (who doesn't love an extra mood boost during the holidays!)
9. Don't forget to relax and get enough sleep! Sometimes aches and pains can be stress-related and although the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year (!), it can still be stressful for some.
- Oftentimes, we can put a lot of pressure on ourselves especially this time of year to be perfect - make the perfect meal, get the perfect gift, etc. - but try to remember the reason for the season and relax!
- Also, get enough sleep each night so your body is rested (physically and mentally) and ready for the fun days ahead!
Now the most important tip of all - enjoy the month! However the holidays may look for you, try to
remember to enjoy every second of this time of year. The holidays are supposed to be fun, so it's important that we never forget that!
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
See you in the New Year!
