Post-Diwali Muscle Strain: 8 Tips To Avoid Festive Aches And Pains

Diwali, the festival of lights, is so much to one's eye about joy and celebration, a flurry of activities having accomplished cleaning, decorating, cooking, and entertaining. This could potentially lead to musculoskeletal problems ranging from common straining complaints to chronic pain in critical areas if not dealt with.

Here are some tips that can help you avoid post-Diwali musculoskeletal problems.

1. Warm Up Before Activities

Before diving into the preparation of Diwali, warm your muscles a bit. These low-intensity stretches help improve flexibility and reduce the risk of incurring injuries. More so, it is better to target those areas that will be heavily used during the celebrations. Arm circles and toe touches can be quite good as gentle stretches to work your body up towards physical demands.

2. Practice Proper Lifting Techniques

And obviously, Diwali often goes hand-in-hand with lifting heavy items-whether it's bags of decorations or boxes of sweets. To prevent straining your back, remember to keep the object close to your body and use your legs instead of your back; keep your feet shoulder-width apart, bend at the knees, and make sure that you distribute the weight evenly. This will minimize the stress on your spine.

3. Take Regular Breaks

Continuous activity leads to tiredness, which means higher chances of getting hurt. Make sure you time the breaks during your preparation sessions. Taking a five-minute break every hour will help your muscles unwind and regain strength. Take this moment to stretch, drink water, or just sit and recover.

4. Hydrate

Avoid taking in sufficient water, especially during those crazy days before Diwali. Often, dehydration causes muscle cramps and unease, which increases your likelihood of getting injured. Take in plenty of water during the day, especially if you are into physical activities. Herbal teas or infused water could help you stay hydrated and full of energy all day long.

5. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Spending much time standing is often part of Diwali preparations. Comfortable shoes with good arch support can help prevent foot and lower back aches. AVOID HIGH HEELS OR UNSUPPORTIVE FOOTWEAR, which will exacerbate musculoskeletal issues. Make sure to utilize anti-fatigue mats if you'll be spending much time standing in your kitchen or workspace.

6. Mind Your Posture

Whether you are cooking, cleaning, or decorating, proper posture is essential. Maintain your back straight, shoulders relaxed and against slouching. If you need to work over a counter or table, its height should be comfortable so that you won't have to stretch your neck and your back to see what you are doing. Even ergonomic tools can be beneficial in holding proper posture.

7. Strengthening Exercises

Consider strengthening exercises during the weeks before Diwali. Strengthening the core and back muscles is bound to provide much-needed support when performing tasks that are physically demanding. Exercises like planks, bridges, and back extensions can help build your resilience and also work on injury prevention.

8. Listen to Your Body

If you begin to feel pain or discomfort, do not push through. Listen to your body and take rest. Pushing through pain often leads to worse injuries in the future. Take time to visit a health care professional if the feeling does not go away.