For those who suffer from back pain, the holidays can be a
tumultuous time. Things like stress and overexertion are major triggers, and
they are also major parts of the holiday season for most people. But
fortunately, it is possible to enjoy the holidays without causing any
unnecessary pain for yourself. It will require a little forethought and
planning on your part, but trust us, it will all be worthwhile.
Here's how you can avoid back pain this holiday season...
Relax. Focus on stressing LESS!
Easier said than done, for sure. But you must at least make
an effort. Stress causes your body to tense up, and this can lead to pain. And
then it gets worse. Back pain, especially when you have a lot to do, can lead
to more stress, which can lead to more back pain. It's a vicious cycle. Some
tips for getting through the season with cheer:
Start early – Make lists of what needs to be done and
start attacking those “to do” items as early as you can. Obviously, you can't
baste a turkey two weeks in advance, but you can start on your invitations and
delegate tasks for others to do.
Don't be a holiday superhero – Have you ever overextended
yourself during the holidays? Maybe said yes to one too many Christmas parties
or holiday happy hours? Picked up or carried heavy gifts, boxes, groceries, or
that 28 pound turkey?? Be careful, carry smaller loads, bend at the knees, and by
all means, ask for help. Don't feel pressured to do everything. If you don't
feel up to it, there's always next year. Also, don't be pressured into hosting
anything if you'd really rather not. It's okay to say no.
Take some ME time.
Even with all of your efforts to stress less, you usually
have a little more to do during the holidays than you normally would. If you're
not careful, this can lead to you overdoing it and overexerting your body. This
is a good time to take care of the body that you'll be relying on so heavily. A
little goes a long way and it can really help keep the back pain at bay.
Meditate – If you
can spend just 15 minutes of quiet time in the morning or night to reflect, you
will feel better inside. Spend some time in silence, listening to nature,
contemplating the winter snow, or perhaps listening to soothing music. Try to
get away from the harried noise that can come with the holiday season. A
healthy spirit can positively affect the body.
Exercise – If you're already working out, just
continue your normal routine. If you haven't been exercising, it's okay to
start now, but be sure to start with something light. Walking or beginner's
yoga are good. The important part is that you stretch your muscles and get the
blood flowing throughout your body. If you need a little extra help stretching,
consider the Piri-Stretcher®. The Piri-Stretcher® was specifically designed to
target the muscle that is commonly associated with low back pain – the
piriformis muscle.
However you spend your holiday season, be sure to take it
easy and take good care of yourself. Happy Holidays from all of us at Miracle
Stretch!
