Last minute holiday shopping is notoriously inescapable. Even when we start shopping early, we’d still be found standing on that long register line in the final days leading up to Christmas. From the cash registers, to rummaging through the malls and shops for a bite to eat, to the bathroom stalls, we’d often be on our feet carrying our shopping around. While we’re enjoying festivities, holidays and good food, Christmas breaks can also be quite exhausting. Here are five top tips to help you dodge pain during the shopping season:
1) Take a break
Those of you who are last minute shoppers are probably frantically running around Westfield or losing your mind on Oxford Street – take a breath and chill. While it’s exciting times, it can also be incredibly stressful. So, find a quiet spot and take a few minutes to gather your thoughts, take a few deep breaths, and when you feel calm again, get back to it!
2) Stay Hydrated
Dry mouth, dizzy, feeling lightheaded, fainting – no thanks. Drink water. Staying well hydrated can help you stay rejuvenated throughout the day and beat the lethargy too. Carry a bottle with you and drink more water than normal when you’re out and about.
3) Get a back-pack
Gone are the days when you’d get mocked for wearing a backpack – anyone who’s anyone is wearing one now! Quite simply, backpacks distribute the weight over your shoulders equally. Otherwise, you tend to hunch one shoulder up to keep a tote or handbag on, or your shoulders and arms get tired from carrying heavy shopping bags. Plus - with a backpack, your hands will be free, so you can do even more shopping!
4) Minimise traveling distance
Park close by, or if you’re getting public transport, pick one area to shop in per visit. Then go straight home once you’re done (or via your chiropractor if you skipped tips 1-3!)
5) STRETCH!
Once you get home, pop some Christmas tunes on, pour yourself a glass of water (or wine, it is Christmas after all!), run your self a hot bath, or have a hot shower and do some gentle stretches. This will help your muscles relax and help you feel nice and cozy again.
If you’re in pain, feeling imbalanced or out of alignment, then call now to get seen before Christmas. Chiropractic is a safe, effective and natural way to get out of pain fast and get your nervous system firing on all cylinders – juts what we all need going into this festive period.
