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5 Ways to Stay Pain-Free This Holiday Season

5 Ways to Stay Pain-Free This Holiday Season

The holidays are such an exciting time of year, and most residents of Lowell, Illinois,  find the breaks from routine to be both invigorating and restorative. But pain can get in the way of your holiday plans, making the season far more stressful than filled with joy. 

At R2 Wellness Centers, we understand how important it is to live a life free from pain and bodily dysfunction. As the holidays approach, let’s take a look at some of the more common ways pain occurs this time of year, and what you can do to reduce your risk of an uncomfortable holiday season. 

Here are five ways you can stay pain-free this year.

1. Don’t take unnecessary risks

We’ve all been there. Those outdoor lights aren’t going to put themselves up. That stack of unwrapped gifts is all we can think about. And don’t forget about adding a fresh coat of paint before guests arrive. 

But taking on too much during the holidays can overtax your body. Jumping into tasks and activities that are out of your norm dramatically increases the risk of injury and pain. So this year, consider delegating some of the tasks to others, or hiring someone to handle the (literal) heavy lifting. 

2. Remember the importance of nutrition

The foods you choose to eat every day have a direct impact on your overall health and wellness. While the holiday season is a time to indulge in traditional delicacies and enjoy favorite treats, be sure to balance those indulgences with plenty of wholesome, healthful meals and snacks. 

R2 Wellness Centers offer a Whole Life Nutrition program that empowers you to make excellent choices that align with your personal health needs and goals. We can help you chart a course for success, including support with optimizing your metabolism, enhancing your sleep, and boosting your immune function.  

3. Celebrate responsibly

Every year, alcohol-related accidents spike during the holiday season. That may be because many of us drink more during the holidays. All of those craft beers, themed cocktails, and toasts during gatherings, events, and parties can add up. 

Not only can excessive alcohol consumption cause you to make poor choices (like drinking and driving), it can also cause inflammation throughout your body, which can lead to an increase in pain. Pay close attention to your alcohol intake, and try tactics like alternating between alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. 

4. Forgetting to stretch and warm up

One of the best ways to lower your risk of injury is by taking the time to stretch your muscles and warm up before engaging in physical exertion. Many people think that stretching and warming up are only meant for athletes. 

In reality, everyone can benefit from doing a few simple stretches and gradually increasing physical exertion. If you’re unsure how to get started, there are many great videos available that show you how to get your body prepared for action. 

5. Putting off much-needed health services

The holidays can be a chaotic and stressful time, when it seems like there’s no break in your schedule to focus on your own health and wellness needs. But when you begin to experience pain or limited function, it’s time to check in with our team at R2 Wellness Centers for support. 

We’re here to help address lower back pain, neck pain, headaches, and much more. When your body is telling you something’s amiss, we’re here to offer immediate help as well as a more long-term treatment plan. 

Simply call or click to schedule a visit with Dr. Walker to determine the source of your symptoms and begin a path toward renewed health and pain management.

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