By now, the home stretch of the holiday season is within arm’s length. Cards have been sent, (most of the) gifts have been purchased, wrapped, and placed carefully under the tree, and you’re preparing for what will arguably be the busiest, but most fulfilling weekend of the year—full of family, friends, and fellowship. Throughout the inevitable hustle and bustle, don’t get your tinsel in a tangle! Here are a few suggestions from Santa’s helpers at Elite Integrated Therapy Centers to keep you sane and moving through your holiday activities:
Travel Advisory…
For many of us, the more time we spend in our cars driving to see family or to the ends of the earth for that last minute gift, the more of a pain in the neck and back it becomes…literally! To make your travels more pleasant, try this: As you’re driving, it is important that you maintain a relatively straight spine. When the curves in your spine increase, so does the strain on your low back, neck, and shoulders. Keep your seat adjusted so that your spine and seat are in approximately a 90 degree angle to each other, with your arms and legs within easy reach of the wheel and pedals. This will help keep you, your neck, back, and shoulders in the holiday spirit.
The Kitchen Marathon…
Turkeys and cookies and pies… Oh my! The kitchen marathon is a grueling test of both culinary skill and physical endurance. Often your lower back becomes the first to succumb to the pressure. It begins to hurt when the curve in your lower spine increases. This commonly occurs from standing in the same position for an extended period of time. One way to combat this is to stand with one foot slightly elevated. In your kitchen, simply open a cabinet door and place the ball of your foot on the lower shelf. This will minimize the curve in your lower back, and give you the time you need to finish the race.
Holiday Headaches…
The holiday season is upon us and for many, so are the headaches that come with it. Headaches will start in your neck due to poor joint movement, muscle tension, and poor posture. Should you fall victim to a holiday headache, Elite can help! By correcting these problems, you can find relief from headaches and, best of all, learn exercises designed to minimize your headache’s intensity or even prevent their unwanted return all together.
Cheers to a happy and healthy holiday season from your friends at Elite Integrated Therapy Centers!
