Stay Merry, Bright & Ache-Free This Christmas!

Your Festive Guide to Protecting Your Posture During Decorating, Cooking & Shopping

Happy countdown to Christmas, everyone! It’s the start of the happiest season of all, filled with joy, laughter, and endless activities. From hanging twinkling lights to preparing delicious feasts and hunting for the perfect gifts, there’s plenty to keep us busy… and plenty of ways to accidentally strain our bodies.

To help you sail through the festivities pain-free and full of energy, we’ve put together some well-known (and a few not-so-well-known!) tips to protect your posture, prevent those sneaky seasonal aches, and keep you feeling fantastic all the way to New Year’s Day.

1. Decorating Without the “Christmas Crook Back”

Decorating is magical… until you’re balancing on tiptoes, stretching like an extra-festive giraffe, or twisting to reach that one awkward branch.

Try this instead:

• Use a stable step stool instead of overstretching

• Keep decorations close to your body when lifting

• Take mini breaks – your muscles aren’t as twinkly as the lights

Bonus tip: Don’t turn into a human snowflake. Avoid twisting while carrying boxes!

2. Cook Up a Feast, Not a Back Spasm

Christmas cooking can turn into an all-day marathon, and long hours leaning over counters can cause neck, shoulder and lower-back tension.

Keep yourself comfy by:

• Standing with your weight evenly distributed

• Adjusting your work height, try raising trays or bowls closer to you

• Taking regular stretch breaks between tasks (yes, even mid-mince-pie)

• Shifting positions often to avoid stiffening up

You’ll enjoy the Christmas feast even more when you’re not wincing through every bite.

3. Shop Smart, Not Sore

Whether you’re nipping into town or battling the big stores, Christmas shopping is practically a sport and your posture pays the price.

Stay ache-free by:

• Splitting heavy bags between both arms

• Using a backpack for even weight distribution

• Wearing supportive footwear (sparkly is optional but encouraged)

• Planning shorter shopping trips instead of one mega mission

Your shoulders and spine will thank you… and so will your patience!

4. Keep Warm. Cold Muscles Are Grumpy Muscles

When you’re chilled, your muscles tighten and become more prone to strain. Whether indoors or out, keep yourself cosy.

Try:

• Layering clothing

• Keeping the heating on in cold kitchens

• Warming up your body with gentle stretches before busy tasks

5. Pace Yourself, Christmas Hero

Christmas isn’t a race and it definitely shouldn’t feel like a workout. Spread tasks out over several days to avoid fatigue and stiffness.

Remember: Even Santa spreads his route over one night with plenty of breaks (and biscuits).

🌟 Stay Festive, Stay Flexible

With a few simple posture-friendly habits, you can enjoy every moment of Christmas, decorating, cooking, shopping, celebrating and relaxing, without that familiar holiday ache creeping in.

If pain or stiffness does sneak up on you, we’re here to help you get back to feeling your best.
🎄 Book your festive physiotherapy session at Bea Sports Injury Clinic and keep the season merry, bright, and pain-free!