Who Looks Forward to a Good Old British Bank Holiday? I Do! But Not Always…

Bank Holidays are a time to be with those around you, share food, catch up and dare I say it, get excited about getting some sunshine, which commonly leads me to crack the BBQ out early and end up cooking under an umbrella.  

In my household it also means, jobs! DIY, we love it as a nation, well… we kind of love it. We like the after event looking at our hard work but we don’t always like the aches and pains that we feel after cramming in 3 long days to get the job done.  

One of the most interesting questions I get asked is “why does my back hurt, I was only doing it a few hours?” This always makes me smile as I understand the principles of “I should be able to do a few hours DIY”, on the other hand, what is the level of activity your body is used to? For instance, I would not expect you to run 5k if your daily working habits are sedentary.

Simply put, it is all relative. We could be a great swimmer but poor runner, if our bodies are not used to the challenge then how do we not expect them to ache a little? The million-dollar question is, how do we help our bodies from aching as much?! Here are 3 tips that may seem obvious but are very rarely applied:

1. How do you eat an elephant…. a little bit at a time 

I cannot say I would ever try to eat an elephant, but it is a great metaphor, right? So when it comes to the task in hand, break the work down into bite size chunks, 45-60mins of intensity and take a break, sit back, and enjoy the glory of the work that is unfolding.   

2. Did anyone say paint party? 

We do so much for others but often find it hard to ask for help. It’s time to change that and get your friends and family over to help. Feel bad about asking? Well you can reward them at the opportunity to watch you over the BBQ with an umbrella, what a treat!  

3. Fuel and rest 

Could you drive your car without the right fuel? So why do we not think like that when it comes to our own bodies? Water is the integral substance our whole body needs to function. This does not extend to a coffee, a good cuppa or a sports drink, get a long glass of good old H2O in you first and remember to top it up as you go! 

Do try and add one of these tips into your next project, see how different your body feels. If it doesn’t then you’re definitely ready for your chiropractic check up!  

If you need any support, please reach out.

With love 
Dr John