The holiday season in Kamloops brings bright lights, cold mornings, and busy schedules. It’s a wonderful time of year, but it can also lead to more tension, stiffness, and general fatigue. Small changes in routine — like longer drives, extra errands, or more time sitting — can add up and affect how your body feels.
Here are some simple, evidence-informed ways to support your comfort and well-being this season.
❄️ 1. Stay Warm to Reduce Muscle Tension
Cold weather can contribute to increased muscle guarding, especially around the neck and shoulders. Most people don’t even notice they’re lifting their shoulders or tightening their posture to stay warm.
Try:
Wearing a scarf or neck warmer outdoors
Warming up your body before long outings
Using a heating pad for 5–10 minutes at the end of the day
A little extra warmth helps your muscles relax and can make everyday movement feel easier.
⭐ 2. Break Up Holiday Tasks Into Shorter Sessions
Gift wrapping, cooking, cleaning, and shopping all involve repetitive movements. Doing them for long stretches can leave your back, neck, or arms feeling tight.
Helpful tips:
Switch arms or sides when carrying bags
Sit on a supportive chair when doing long tasks
Take short stretch or movement breaks
Spread chores across a few days rather than one long session
Small adjustments can reduce the overall load on your body.
🎁 3. Create Moments to De-Stress
The holiday season can be joyful, but it can also be busy and overwhelming. Stress can show up in the body as jaw clenching, shoulder tension, or shallow breathing.
Try this simple reset:
Place one hand on your chest and one on your belly
Take three slow breaths, letting your ribs expand gently
Short breathing moments like this can help reduce tension throughout the day.
🌲 4. Keep Moving — Even Briefly
Movement doesn’t have to be perfect or structured to be helpful. Even a few minutes can make a difference.
Easy ideas:
A short walk on your lunch break
Light stretching while your coffee brews
A gentle mobility routine before bed
Walking the Rivers Trail or Peterson Creek Park at a relaxed pace
Consistent small movements help keep your body feeling more comfortable.
💤 5. Prioritize Sleep Where You Can
Sleep patterns often shift during the holidays. Later evenings, travel, and social events can affect how rested you feel.
Try:
Keeping a simple wind-down routine
Limiting screens 30 minutes before bed
Using warm lighting in the evenings
Doing gentle stretching before sleep
Better sleep can support both physical and mental well-being.
💚 6. Listen to Your Body
If tension or discomfort starts to build, take it as a cue to pause, move, or adjust your routine. Simple awareness goes a long way, especially during busy seasons.
Massage therapy from a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) can also be a supportive part of your self-care plan when you're dealing with tightness, stress-related discomfort, or general stiffness.
✨ Wishing You a Comfortable Holiday Season
No matter how you spend this month — visiting family, enjoying winter walks, or relaxing at home — we hope you find moments of rest, movement, and comfort.
If you’d like support with tension or pain this season, we’re here to help.