Self-care is the perfect holiday gift
Five tips to reduce stress, ease muscle and joint pain during the Christmas season
By Audrea Jackson
Massage Therapist, Reflections Day Spa
It’s the holiday season! Time for rushing around decorating, shopping, and preparing for holiday parties, dinners, and the traditions we love so much. The last thing we want to think about is muscle aches, joint pain, or stress headaches that come along with this high-energy season.
For folks with arthritis, menopause, or other debilitating conditions, the holidays can be a double-edged sword. The hustle and bustle of shopping, cleaning, and hanging all those cute decorations can affect already swollen joints and inflamed muscles, making your season a little less joyful and bright.
Even if you exercise regularly, the holiday season can add special emotional and mental stress unlike any other time of year. We need to plan for how the holidays affect our bodies and minds, just like we plan for those scrumptious holiday desserts.
Here are five tips to reduce stress and pain in your muscles and joints for those with chronic or acute pain during the holidays:
Reduce activity that can put stress on your body. Over-reaching and not using an approved step stool or ladder can cause you to fall or injure yourself by stretching too far. Don’t put off doing physical activity until the last minute. Spread out large projects so you’re not rushing to meet deadlines.
Cut down on travel. Sometimes sitting in a car or standing in line at the airport or train station can be harder on your body than physical activity. Plan shorter or at least fewer trips. If you are driving long distances stop every so often to get out and stretch - you’ll thank me later.
Watch what you eat. That shrimp cocktail looks delicious but if you have gout or other food related inflammatory conditions it might be best to pass on the goodies.
Keep moving and use recovery therapy like massage or warm baths when needed. Keep a regular date with stretching, cardio, and weight training, something light to keep yourself flexible and strong. And don’t forget recovery in the form of warm Epsom salt baths, relaxing showers, and a massage or two during the holiday season.
Give yourself time and space to release the stress that the holidays put on you so that you can enjoy the season without aches and pains ruining your holiday cheer. Take a few deep breaths. Drop those shoulders and unclench your jaw.
Enjoy the season and don’t forget self-care is the perfect gift this season! Gift certificates are available for any service or amount.
Call me, Audrea Jackson (MT21204478) at Reflections Day Spa at (765) 453-3262
Happy Holidays!