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Seeing friends and family and catching up after spending time apart is one of the greatest joys of the holiday season. But one of the least exciting aspects of this time of year? Holiday travel. Long drives and the potential for heavy traffic are stressful enough, but neck pain and general achiness only make matters worse. If you remember to stretch before, during, and after holiday travel, you’ll have one less thing to worry about this year.
Stretching is important before you use your muscles at the gym. But it’s just as important that you remember to stretch whenever you wind up sitting for a long period of time. Even if you’re only driving for an hour or two, being stuck in a sedentary sitting position builds tension and stress in your muscles. Additional factors like traffic, running late, or bickering from the back seat will only amplify that stress.
Whether you’re sitting in a car, working from a desk at the office, or studying at home, it’s important that you take some time to stretch every so often. Before a long road trip, take about 5-10 minutes and prepare your muscles. If you’ll be in the car for more than a couple of hours, build in time for a pit stop so that you can stretch again. And once you’re out of the car, make sure you’re loosened up so that you can give your family the best hug possible when you greet them.
There’s no wrong way to stretch out before, during, or after a long drive. However, you’ll definitely want to focus on your neck, shoulders, and back as much as possible as that’s where a lot of tension will accumulate. A few easy ways to keep these muscles limbered are neck rotations and rolls, pulling your shoulders across your body, and bending forward to touch your toes. This will help minimize back, shoulder, and neck pain.
You’ll also notice stiffness in your legs, particularly in joints like your hips and knees. Stretching out your calves, lifting your heel behind your back to stretch your quads, and doing side leg extensions to work your hips will all help break up tightness and soreness.
However you stretch, be sure that you’re focusing on maintaining proper posture at the wheel. Being ergonomically positioned behind the steering wheel will help you stay alert without dealing with unwanted aches and pain.
Stretching will help you relieve tension and stress in your muscles during holiday travel. If you schedule your appointment at Wills Chiropractic in Rochelle, IL, you’ll be even more ready to face down your upcoming road trip with fewer aches. Come in and see us this holiday season and we’ll help ensure that you feel great for your big family reunion.
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