It’s the time of year for family and friends, food and good cheer. However, for a lot of people, the season can be hectic, stressful and exhausting. Your to-do list may be long, and you may feel anxious about completing it in time. But, are you taking care of yourself while you hurtle around preparing for the Season? Canada’s chiropractors want you to have a joyful holiday, so we’ve put together a few tips that we hope will help keep you healthy and happy throughout this busy season.
Lift Right
The holidays usually involve lifting and lugging scads of groceries and parcels. If possible, ask a friend or family member to help you carry on your merry cheer! If no one is available, consider making several trips and carrying smaller loads to prevent the risk of injury. Also, visit our Lift Right page for tips on how to prevent injury while lifting.
Take a Break
Do you enjoy entertaining during the holidays? Carolers at the door, a house full of people, children running around? That can involve a lot of cooking and cleaning, decorating and preparations. Make sure to take frequent breaks and keep hydrated. Set a timer every hour or so, have a glass of water and sit for a few minutes. For tips on getting a good night’s sleep, browse through our Good Night’s Sleep page.
Ask for Help
Being present and enjoying the company of your friends and family is what is of utmost importance. Even during the holidays, no one expects you to be a super-human. Excessive expectations and stress can heighten your risk for injury and illness. Instead, ask your friends and family for help and everyone will be merrier for it! You can also read about some useful Energy Boosters here.
Stay Active
The holidays are a time when we are surrounded by temptations. One key strategy to manage and cope is to keep moving and stay active! Winter offers a multitude of fun family activities including skating in the park or a brisk trek around the block. Activity will keep you energized during the day and help you sleep at night. Before you hit the ice or go tobogganing, make sure you warm up first! Here are some great stretches for hockey and running.
Drink Responsibly
Trips, slips and falls account for many injuries in the winter months. However, drinking can also add to the risk of falls. Moderation is the key! Here are some good strategies from the Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse.
- Set limits for yourself and stick to them.
- Drink slowly.
- Have no more than 2 drinks in any 3 hours.
- For every drink of alcohol, have one non-alcoholic drink.
- Eat before and while you are drinking.
- Always consider your age, body weight and health problems that might suggest lower limits.
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