From hanging holiday lights to marathon cooking sessions and carrying shopping bags, this time of year brings a whirlwind of festive activity—and unexpected physical stress.
While decorating, shopping, and entertaining might feel joyful, many of these activities involve repetitive movements, awkward postures, and sudden bursts of effort that your spine isn’t used to. And if you’re already carrying tension from a busy year, your body might let you know with aches, stiffness, or fatigue.
1. Deck the Halls… Carefully
Putting up decorations often means reaching, twisting, or climbing ladders. These actions can strain your back, neck, and shoulders—especially if you rush through it or ignore posture.
Try this: Use a sturdy ladder (not a wobbly chair), switch arms regularly when reaching overhead, and keep decorations within easy reach rather than stretching beyond your comfort zone.
2. Cooking for a Crowd
Extended time spent standing in the kitchen or leaning over counters can tighten your lower back and cause upper spine fatigue.
Try this: Place one foot on a low stool while standing to shift weight and ease lower back pressure. Take short breaks every 30 minutes to roll your shoulders and gently stretch your spine.
3. Smart Shopping Strategies
Holiday shopping can feel like a sport—long walks, heavy bags, and hours on your feet.
Try this: Use a backpack instead of single-strap bags to distribute weight evenly. Make frequent trips to the car to avoid overloading yourself. And wear supportive footwear with cushioning for long shopping days.
4. Hosting Without the Hustle
Entertaining guests means setting up tables, moving furniture, and being on your feet more than usual.
Try this: Use your legs when lifting—not your back. Ask for help with heavier tasks. When hosting, don’t stand still for too long—alternate between sitting and walking to keep your body in motion.
5. Listen to Your Body
If your back starts to ache, don’t push through the pain. Those little niggles are signals that your body is asking for a break. A short stretch, posture reset, or rest can prevent bigger issues from developing later.
And if your spine feels out of balance after all the hustle and bustle, a chiropractic tune-up can be a great way to realign, reset, and restore your energy heading into the new year.