With Christmas around the corner, are you running out of time? Getting tense? Rushing around to fit in the school nativity, buy the tree and have the presents wrapped and the tree perfect. Before you know it, you have strained your back, suffering neck pain and nursing a tension headache.
Here are a few tips to help you have a pain free festive time.
Share the load: it takes two to put the Christmas tree in place, and nothing like some team effort to lift the turkey, make the beds and decorate the house. Let someone else carry the bags … yes if you haven’t tried online grocery shopping now is the time.
Drinks party back: try and pull in the muscles below your belly button gently and see how long you can hold them and keep repeating (with each top up of the glass!) Stand straight and keep your weight balanced on both feet not only will you look taller but also reduce stress on the back.
Posture, posture, posture: Time out is really important, but remember not to sink into the sofa, or slump in front of the TV, which results in those tight muscles relaxing too far, back overload and you getting stuck! Sit with your back straight and your shoulders back, with your bottom touching the back of the chair or sofa.
Keep active: Less pre-dinner surfing and more after dinner strolling! While you might reduce your exercise regime over the festive period don’t stop completely. Not a gym bunny, no problem try a little exercise each day from housework to walking to the bus stop or even better take the family for a stroll.
Avoid Grandpas’ knee: Break up the enthusiasm for the new Scalextric into bite-size pieces, try kneeling on a cushion, and make sure there is a nearby sofa to help you get up off the floor! Or leave it to the youngsters, sit correctly in a nearby chair for viewing and enjoy a sherry – okay not great for your health but at least you will be sitting properly.
