How to Avoid Pain and Stay Comfortable While Holiday Shopping

Brian Acton

Holiday shopping can be an intense affair, especially when you’re braving the crowds on Black Friday, buying gifts for a large family, or focused on hunting down the absolute best deals. But you also need to worry about taking care of yourself physically and avoiding pain and discomfort.

Holiday shopping can be stressful, but it shouldn’t cause you physical pain. Here are some tips to avoid pain and stay comfortable while holiday shopping.

In-Person Shopping Tips

Going out to stores and shopping malls isn’t typically thought of as an intense physical activity, but it can be tough on your feet, back, knees, and more. Here are some ways to avoid pain when you’re going out to shop.

• Wear the right shoes. The best shoes for shopping will provide good support, fit comfortably, and not pinch your toes. Avoid high heels or shoes with little support. Spending all day shopping in the wrong shoes can lead to back, knee, calf, hip, or foot pain.
• Wear comfortable clothing. Clothing that’s too tight can prevent you from practicing good posture when you take items off the shelf or put them in your car. Wear comfortable, looser clothing that gives you a full range of motion.
• Lift carefully. When you lift heavy packages or boxes, make sure to squat and lift with your legs instead of bending over. When carrying heavy bags or packages, distribute the load evenly (or use a shopping or pushcart). When a package is heavy or out of reach, get a store associate to help you. If you already have back problems, a support belt like the CorFit System® LS Back Support can stabilize your spine, ease lower back pain, and encourage you to use proper lifting techniques.
• Spread out your trips. Planning one all-day shopping trip could increase your risk of injury or set you up for pain later. Try planning a few shorter trips instead to avoid stress and lessen the strain on your body.

Online Shopping Trips

You might think that, compared to in-person shopping, online shopping is risk free. But you need to be just as diligent to protect yourself at home. Here are some ways to avoid pain when you’re shopping online.

• Use proper posture. Slouching toward your computer or phone can lead to neck and back pain. Sit at a desk or table and maintain neutral neck positioning when shopping. If your chair doesn’t have great back support, use a back support cushion like the Sitback Rest™ Deluxe to maintain good posture.
• Take breaks from sitting. Sitting for six to eight hours has been linked to neck pain, back pain, and many other health problems. Take periodic breaks from sitting to stand, walk, and move your body.
• Protect your wrists. Over time, using your keyboard improperly can lead to wrist pain and developing repetitive motion disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome. When using your keyboard, sit up straight and avoid tilting your wrists too far up or down. If you already have weak, achy, or injured wrists, you can use a wrist support like the Swede-O® Reflex Wrist Support to provide additional support.

You can experience injuries, pain, or discomfort whether you’re shopping online or in the store. This holiday season, take steps to protect yourself so you can better celebrate with your friends and family.