Consider holiday shopping as an event that requires preparation and
attention to your health and well being.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
 | Stretch before and after a long day of shopping. When you are under
stress, your muscles are less flexible than usual.
|
| Take shopping bags to the car when possible. Try not to carry more
than 2 bags in each hand.
|
| Wear shoes with plenty of cushioning in the soles to absorb the
impact of walking on hard shopping mall floors.
|
| Leave your purse at home. Wear a light fanny pack or a light
backpack instead. Pack only those items that are absolutely essential
(driver's license, credit card, etc.).
|
| Plan frequent breaks into your shopping day -- at least once every
45 minutes for most people. Those with less stamina may need to take a
break every 20-30 minutes.
|
| Do not wrap packages while sitting on a hard floor. This can wreak
havoc on your posture.
|
| Always stretch before and after you wrap gifts. Stretch the
opposites; if you are leaning forward when wrapping your gifts, stretch
backward when you are done. |
