After a winter closed up in our houses, it is no surprise that at the first sign of spring we open our windows with glee. The fresh air drifts through the house while the birds sing the songs of spring. The spring showers come and go, but they are well worth it to make those flowers grow. As we head for our closets to grab our cute rain boots, we realize the mess winter has left us. Yep, it is time for spring-cleaning.
Spring Cleaning and Muscle Strain – Be on the Lookout!
Are you aware that millions of home-related injuries are the result of household cleaning? This is due to the fact that we tend to overdo things. I mean, seriously, we tend to believe we are super humans who can take on any task without asking for a helping hand. Come on, you know that just like me, when you get back from the grocery store you waddle up those stairs with a million bags to avoid making multiple trips. The injuries that most doctors hear about are strains, sprains, tendonitis, and even fractures! So, let’s take a closer look into how we can avoid calling our doctor during spring-cleaning.
6 Steps to a Pain Free Spring Cleaning:
- Rome wasn’t built in a day, so set realistic goals. Plan a timeline of a couple of weekends or do a chore each night until the job is done. After all, we are talking about at least 3-4 months of clutter here. Slow and steady wins the race!
- Equipment—friend or foe? Please check your ladders and stools that are needed to reach the ceiling fans and/or top of your closet shelves before you climb unto them. If it seems wobbly, do not use it.
- Safety first. Keep hallways and stairways free of clutter and well lit. We do not need to be falling down the stairs or tripping and spraining an ankle. Be smart, keep the clutter away.
- A lending hand—ask for help. Ask friends and family members to pitch in and help you. Offer pizza, beer, wine, or even dibs on whatever you are tossing to entice the helping hand.
- Proper form isn’t just for ballerinas—Use proper techniques.
- Lifting and Carrying: Always ask for help because we are not superman or wonder woman. When lifting, bend your knees and lift with your legs not your back. Keep boxes close to your body instead of having your arms outstretched.
- Vacuuming: When we vacuum, we tend to put increased compression on our neck and spine. Avoid painful and embarrassing injuries from vacuuming by keeping the machine close to the front center of your body and using both hands to push.
- Windows: Keep your feet steady on the ground/ladder and be level with the area you are cleaning. Always keep your back straight and avoid tilting your head up and down for long periods of time.
- Mopping: Start with small areas and push forward without leaning. This is a great project to do over a week! While dinner is warming, workout those muscles by mopping one area a night.
- Showers: Stand outside the shower with your back straight and use a mop to clean the walls and tub! Covers much more ground in a shorter time.
- Working out while cleaning. Spring-cleaning is indeed a great way to exercise! You will burn hundreds of calories while dusting, vacuuming, washing, and wiping. Be sure to stay hydrated while you clean!
Avoiding pain during spring-cleaning is all about practicing good posture and being smart about the way you use your body. Be the beautiful ballerinas I know you can be!
Treat Yourself to a Luxurious Massage Treatment
Once your house is clean, pamper yourself. It is important to spring clean our bodies with a detox, mani/pedi, and a massage. After all of the hard work your back and neck just went through, head over to Clifton, VA spa location and book our Bellezza Signature Massage. This treatment will relieve the tension in our back and neck, and will increase the flow of endorphins! Like Elle Woods in Legally Blonde said, “Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.”
Set Up Your Next Appointment Today!
Make like a bunny and hop to it! Book your appointment today and start spring off the right way! Enjoy your clean house and knot-free back!
