December is upon us, and that means Christmas is on the way! The Christmas holiday can be a stressful time for the mind, but it is also stressful on the body; the to-do lists become longer, dinner party invitations become more frequent, and don’t forget about all the presents that you have to purchase and wrap. Needless to say, there is plenty to do during December.
As chiropractors, we look out for our patients year-round. During December, we find that people tend to pick up a few bad habits that put extra stress on their spine and musculoskeletal structure.
Here are a few chiropractic tips to keep in mind this Christmas holiday:
- Shopping for your loved ones’ gifts can be exciting and tiring. When you’re at the shopping centre, you’ll probably want to pick up as many gifts as possible. However, we advise that you keep your shopping load light. Either use a shopping cart for your items or don’t pick up so many things at once! And always remember to keep your shopping bags as close to your body as possible to reduce strain on your back.
- When you’ve done your shopping, don’t load all your items at the back of the car boot. Keep the items close to the front so you don’t have to reach and strain yourself.
- Once you have all your gifts, you’re ready to start wrapping them! Many people sprawl their wrapping material and gifts on their living room floor to wrap their presents, but this is also bad for your posture and spine. When wrapping presents, sit at a table where you can sit up straight without stressing your back and neck.
- Your presents are finally ready to be delivered and given to your loved ones. If you’re traveling long distances to celebrate with friends or family this year, ensure that you stop for breaks to stretch. Sitting in one position for an extended period of your time isn’t good for your body and can make you stiff and numb. The body needs proper circulation and movement to function properly, so whether you’re on an airplane or in your car, don’t forget to take breaks, stretch and move your muscles.
Keep these tips in mind this Christmas holiday for a happy and healthy body! For a few more words of wisdom on spinal care and posture, please watch our Youtube video: