How To Give Yourself a Gift This Christmas
The Silly Season is upon us yet again.
It’s not called the silly season for no reason. Indulging, partying, drinking, overeating and running around like a headless chicken from event-to-event and shop-to-shop, it’s no wonder many of us feel exhausted, rundown, overweight and stressed as the new year comes around.
Here are some tips to help you power through this festive season:
Travelling on the Holidays
Have niggling back and neck pain checked out before you leave to go on holidays. Long drives will always highlight any aches & pains. Safe, hands on treatment to restore joint and muscle flexibility as well as an exercise program are mainstays of Osteopathy treatment for spinal pain.
Reaching and Bending for Christmas Presents
We here this time & time again, but it's just as important here to have correct posture. When reaching for something above shoulder level, for example when placing the Angel on the top of the Christmas tree, stand on a stool. Straining to reach such objects may not only hurt your mid-back and neck, but it can also bring on shoulder problems.
Do NOT bend over at the waist to pick up gifts from the floor or a table. Instead, kneel down on one knee, as close as possible to the item you are lifting, with the other foot flat on the floor and pick the item up. Or bend at the knees, keep the present close to your body, and lift with your legs, not your back.
Exercise
Remember to keep up with your exercise routine. Just because you were out and about the night before is no excuse to sleep in and forego your workout. Staying active will help you feel better, especially at the start of the new year when it's time to get back in to the swing of things.
Water
Drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated. If you do drink alcohol, remember to alternate every alcoholic drink with a glass of water and please don’t drink on an empty stomach.
Nutrition
Try to make healthy choices this Christmas. It’s easy to get carried away with all the chocolate, shortbread, puddings and alcohol but before over-indulging remember how it’s going to make you feel the next day. Remember to eat plenty of If you do like enjoying Christmas treats, limit your portion size.
Relaxation
As much as Christmas is a lovely time to catch up with all your friends and family, remember to take some time out for YOU.
Sleep
Get plenty of rest and aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night. It’s not going to make or break your life if you don’t go to EVERY party. Never sleep in a position that causes a portion of your spine to hurt. Most often, your body will tell you what position is best.