Summer’s here, and it’s usually a season of relaxation and exploration. The kids are home from school and it’s time to take the vacations, hikes, and day trips you have been dreaming about all winter. While your mind may be ready to tackle the season, your body may need some time to adjust. During the winter months, our bodies can undergo negative changes due to minimal outdoor activity, poor posture and a diet with fewer fresh fruits and vegetables. Bearing this in mind, here are seven tips to make sure you are taking care of your spine and enjoying the summer months.
How to keep your back happy
Stay Hydrated
This may seem obvious to some, but water has so many health benefits. Drinking water boosts energy levels, and also protects your muscles and joints by providing lubrication and elasticity. If your muscles are sore or you find yourself feeling tired for no reason, try increasing your daily water consumption.
Ease into activities
Regardless of your fitness level, it’s important to ease into summer activities. You may have climbed a 14,000 foot mountain last summer, but it shouldn’t be your first hike this summer. Start with a long walk, and slowly increase the difficulty and the duration over a couple of weeks. Before you know it, you will be doing more intense activities with ease.
Take breaks
This piece of advice is especially useful for long road trips. Often times road trips can cause strain on your back, shoulders, and neck. Get out of the car frequently to stretch and go on a quick walk.
Use proper posture
Getting the yard ready for summer and planting a garden are fulfilling tasks, but if not performed with the proper posture, they can lead to injury. This is especially true when weeding, so before bending over from a standing position, consider sitting or kneeling on a cushion.
Find time for naps
This one seems easy, but between all of the activities that happen in the summer, it can be difficult to relax and find time for a nap. Sleep allows our bodies to decompress, heal, and restore balance. A lack of sleep combined with hot weather can be a recipe for irritability and injury.
Be aware of your body
Your body is designed to do incredible things, but only if it is allowed to recover and heal. If you are feeling strained or exhausted, it may be time to take a day off. Most injuries happen when you are already worn out and decide to push yourself even further.
Only pack the essentials
When you are on a day trip, a vacation, or a hike, remember to pack only what you need. It can be tempting to want to pack everything you will need throughout the day into one bag, but the extra weight could lead to strain on your shoulders and back.
A bonus piece of advice from our team at LifeGiving Chiropractic is to come in and see us for regular adjustments. Not only can we alleviate some of your pain, but we can also give you great advice on posture and how to keep yourself safe through the season.
LifeGiving Chiropractic is here for you, ready to help you achieve your best life. Details of our services may be found here. And our Austell team may be reached at 770 943-1425, and our Campbell team is on 408 340-5055 You may also use the form on our Contact Us page. We look forward to working with you.