With the festive party season in full swing and holidays just around the corner, at Potter Chiropractic we are urging everyone to take care, stay safe and have a wonderful Christmas. The best Christmas present you can get yourself and family is looking after Your Health.
As much as we love this holiday and celebration period, it can sometimes take its toll on our body and mind. Whether it is overindulging in a bit too much Christmas pudding or wine, lugging heavy Christmas presents around the shopping centre, stressing that you have everything organised in time for Christmas day, or low back pain from driving for long distances or lying poorly on the couch watching the Boxing Day Test, it can be a stressful time on the body and spine in many ways.
To enjoy a healthy and injury-free holiday, your Chiropractor is encouraging you to focus on your health- both physically and mentally.
Avoid sitting for long periods - Many Australians spend a great deal of time sitting on the couch recovering from a large Christmas lunch or spent driving long distances to holiday destinations. Avoid sitting in one spot for more than 30 - 45 minutes without a short break. Regular changes in posture have been shown improve comfort and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Buy gifts that encourage physical activity This Christmas, rather than getting your kids an iPad, consider a present like a cricket bat or a netball that will encourage physical activity and ultimately leading to lifestyle choices in the long run.Active Healthy Kids Australia's Report Card on Physical Activity for Children has identified that worldwide, children's fitness has been declining at the rate of 3% to 5% per decade since 1970, with Australian kids now in the bottom third of the world in fitness and inactivity. ²
Get active Getting a little more physical activity into your day doesn't have to be a chore. Dust off the bicycles and go for a ride, plan a bushwalk or simply limit your couch time get up and get moving. If unsure what physical activity is right for you or your child's age and experience.
Take it easy If doing things you don't normally do, like your yearly renovations or gardening works, remember to take it easy and listen to your body for any warning signs that may indicate you are hurting your neck and back.
Don't ignore your feelings Anxiety, depression and stress are very common during the festive season. Take some time out for yourself or your immediate family. Whether it is a hobby or a quiet getaway, take some time out and remember that stress can have a dramatic impact on your spinal health.
Get enough sleep Plan for some early nights as the Chrissy season can cause havoc with our sleeping routines. Not sleeping enough throws your circadian rhythm out of balance and also interferes with the deeper part of the sleep cycle where the hormones necessary for healing are released.
References:
[1] The Department of Health, Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour : Research and Statistics, accessed at http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubhlth-strateg-active-evidence.htm
[2] Report Card, Report Card on Physical Activity for Children, the Active Healthy Kids Australia, 2014