Along with the holiday season comes family, yummy food, and good times but it also brings long days, travel, and extra stress–all of which can contribute to higher pain levels. Whether you suffer from chronic pain or have recently been injured, the holiday season can make it tougher to manage your symptoms. Today, we’re sharing our top tips to help you manage your pain throughout the holiday season and beyond!
Own your travel days
Whether you’re visiting loved ones an hour drive away or a plane ride away, it’s important to think of managing your pain during your travel. Traveling can be tough with pain because you’re sitting in uncomfortable positions for extended periods of time and stress levels can rise. This should not deter you from visiting your friends and family though! Here are some tips to help you prepare for your travel days:
● Pack thoughtfully
As we’re all aware, stress can increase pain levels and trigger other unwanted symptoms. When it comes to holiday travel packing, you’ll want to do it at least 4-5 days in advance. This will ensure that you have everything you’ll need and any gifts for your loved ones without the last-minute packing stress! If you’re flying, you’ll also want to thoughtfully pack your carry-on or personal bag. You should include any medications, topical pain relief products, and pillows in your personal or carry-on bags. Keeping these items close to you will ensure they will be with you along your entire journey and will safely arrive at your destination.
● Stay hydrated:
Regardless of your travel mode, staying hydrated is key. Airplanes specifically can dehydrate you which leads to increased pain levels and headaches. Make sure to drink more water than you typically do (even though this may lead to more bathroom breaks!)
● Stretch your legs:
If you’re planning on sitting in a car, plane, or train for hours on end, it’s important to get up and walk around every so often–especially if you’re dealing with pain in your back, legs, and shoulders. When your muscles don’t move, they become tight and stiff which leads to pain. To avoid this, stretch your body out as often as you can.
● Eat healthily:
It can be hard to eat healthy on a road trip or plane ride, we get it (think of all the easy fast food and snacks!) But eating anti-inflammatory food could actually make a difference in your overall pain levels. Try to consume fresh fruit, veggies, and protein to combat any swelling that can come along with long travel days.
● Go for the extra leg room:
Going by plane or train? It may be worth it to upgrade to extra legroom seats. These sets will give you more wiggle room to stretch out and fit a comfortable position compared to sitting in economy.
Manage stress wisely
With parties, gift shopping, and cooking, the holiday season can be stressful at times. Increased stress can cause inflammation and muscles to tense up–both of which can heighten pain levels. While it’s important to spend time with your loved ones this holiday season, it’s just as important to take care of yourself in the process. Here are a few ways to relieve stress without committing too much of your time this season:
1. 5-minute meditation:
Meditation can refocus your brain on something other than the stress in your life. It’s known to give you a sense of peace and calm throughout your busy days. While meditation may be tough to get into at first, you will understand its immense benefits in a short period of time.
2. Get outside:
Get outside and go for a brisk walk for at least 15 minutes every day. Not only will the fresh air help to clear your mind, but exercising is a huge form of stress relief and can help prevent future injuries.
3. Spa-night:
If you can’t get to a spa this holiday season, make your home into one! Dedicate an hour or two to focus on just yourself. This could mean taking a bath, doing a face mask, or simply taking an extended shower. Carving out a chunk of time to specifically focus on what you need can make all the difference to managing your stress levels.
Prepare for long days
The holiday season can bring along some long days. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, prepping the house for a party, or attending a celebration yourself, you’ll want to prepare for any pain flare-ups:
● Pain relief patches:
Applying a pain relief patch before you start your day can make a huge difference in your pain levels. The SINSINPAS AREX Pain Relief Patches are known for their long-lasting relief with both a hot and cool effect. They’re made with a strong and flexible fabric so you can apply it and forget about it for hours. The AREX Gel Patch is a great option for those with sensitive skin as it’s made with soothing aloe vera.
● Rest up:
Regardless of what your day has in store, it’s so important to take time to rest. Even though you should get your body moving to help reduce pain, it’s equally important to give it time to rest as well. Don’t forget to sit down throughout your day and take a deep breath!
Make a wish-list
It may be funny to think about, but when people ask you what you’d like for the holidays, it could be a good idea to think of gift ideas that could help manage your pain! A gift card for a massage or stretch therapy, migraine relief masks, or a membership to your local yoga studio could all be great gifts to receive to help manage your pain for the year to come.
Topical pain relief products are also another great gift idea for you or anyone you know suffering from pain. The SINSINPAS pain relief patches and liquid can be used by almost anyone suffering from pain caused by arthritis, strains, bruises, muscle pain, and more. Giving or receiving the gift of pain-free relief this holiday season can be more impactful than you know!