A lot of people come in to the clinic to see me in the weeks running up to Christmas and explain to me how they have hurt their back. Or often strained their neck and shoulders wrapping Christmas presents! So here’s a few considerations to try and make this process more comfortable.
- Not all gifts are table-sized, but where possible sit at a table (as opposed to on the floor) to wrap your gifts. A patient told me this week they sit at an ironing board as they can adjust the height to make it work perfectly for them. I think this is a great idea.
- Avoid twisting and bending at the same time.
- Take regular breaks away from the wrapping activity. Go and do something different or just have a move around regularly.
- Be mindful of where your shoulders are. Are they up around your ears? Relax them down.
- Try and stay calm, try not to hold your breath -practice relaxed breathing. This will support both body and mind.
I personally am a bit of a Christmas Grinch on this subject as I have very little patience for sticky tape! So I definitely need to monitor my breathing and shoulders. Happy to help if any issues arise in you.
Claire
