How to Prevent Pain This Christmas
Christmas is a beautiful time of year, full of connection, warmth, and slowing down. But it can also place a surprising amount of stress on your body and nervous system. Between long hours cooking, travelling, sleeping in different beds, wrapping gifts on the floor, and the emotional load of the festive season… your body can easily tip out of balance.
The good news? With a few intentional habits, you can prevent pain before it starts and support your mind–body system so you actually enjoy the season.
1. Keep Your Nervous System Regulated
Your nervous system is the foundation of how your body feels. If your system is overwhelmed, your muscles tighten, your posture collapses, and pain thresholds drop.
Simple ways to stay regulated:
- Pause for 60 seconds of slow breathing before rushing into the next task.
- Take short walks outside to reset your system between gatherings.
- Prioritise hydration, your fascial system loves water.
When your nervous system feels safe, your body moves better and holds less pain.
2. Be Mindful With Lifting and Carrying
Heavy shopping bags, boxes of decorations, or kids’ new toys can all trigger back or shoulder pain.
Keep this in mind:
- Bend your knees and hinge through your hips.
- Hold bags evenly on both sides to avoid twisting.
- If something feels too heavy, break it into smaller loads.
Your spine will thank you.
3. Switch Up Your Wrapping Position
Hours spent leaning over the floor or kitchen table is a fast-track to neck and lower back pain.
Try wrapping gifts at a higher surface, or alternate between sitting and standing. Little shifts like this prevent your body from stiffening in one position for too long.
4. Stay Consistent With Your Movement
Christmas often throws routine out the window, but your body loves consistency.
A 10-minute stretch, a gentle yoga flow, or even mindful mobility first thing in the morning keeps your joints nourished and your body comfortable throughout the day.
5. Make Time for You
Festive stress can be just as damaging as physical strain. Give yourself permission to pause. Rest is not a luxury, it’s a strategy for staying pain-free.
Ready to Start the New Year Feeling Better in Your Body?
If you’d like support regulating your nervous system, reducing pain, and reconnecting with your body, I’m here to help.
Book your Christmas or January appointment at Yourhealthnomad Chiropractic and give your body the gift of ease this season.