Holiday Activities That Help (Not Hurt) Your Joints

The holidays are here! 🎄 And while it’s a time for joy and celebration, it can also mean extra strain on our joints, especially for those of us dealing with arthritis or sciatica.

From decorating the house to holiday shopping, these activities can take a toll on your body. But don’t worry—staying active during the holidays doesn’t have to mean adding more pain to the mix. I've got some easy, low-impact ideas to keep you moving and feeling good all season long.

🧘‍♀️ 1. Gentle Yoga to Ease Arthritis Stiffness

I know it’s tempting to skip stretching when the holiday chaos hits, but trust me—taking a few minutes each day for some gentle yoga is a game-changer, especially if you’ve got arthritis. I’ve noticed that on days when I skip it, my joints get so stiff, and I feel more achy. So, I make sure to squeeze in some easy poses to keep things moving.

Try these easy poses:

• Child’s Pose: It stretches out the back, hips, and knees—so soothing when you feel that tightness building up.
• Seated Forward Fold: This one really helps loosen my legs and lower back after standing for too long while cooking or decorating.
• Cat-Cow Stretch: Great for getting my spine moving, and I swear it does wonders for easing the tension in my shoulders and neck.

It doesn’t have to be an hour-long session—just 5-10 minutes a day works wonders!

❄️ 2. Winter Walks for Sciatica Relief

For years, I struggled with sciatica pain. Long car rides or sitting too much would always make it worse. So, I started taking short walks when I could—whether it’s a stroll around the neighborhood to see the holiday lights or a walk in the park. Not only does it help ease sciatica pain, but it gets my blood flowing and lifts my mood too.

I’ve learned that walking is one of the best ways to relieve that pressure on the sciatic nerve. The best part? It’s so easy on the joints! Just be sure to wear good, supportive shoes if there’s snow or ice around—don’t want to slip while trying to enjoy the season! 🥾

🎁 3. Decorating with Ease

I’ll admit it—decorating is one of my favorite parts of the holidays, but it can also leave me with sore knees, back, and shoulders. A few years ago, I learned that I could still get my house looking festive without wrecking my joints. Here’s what works for me:

• I use a step stool when reaching for those higher spots on the tree—keeps my back from getting too strained.
• I take frequent breaks while setting up lights or moving boxes around. I don’t have to get it all done in one go!
• And, if I’m lifting heavy boxes, I try using something with a better grip to reduce strain on my wrists.

The key is slowing down and listening to your body—after all, it’s the holidays, not a race! 🎄

🕺 4. Holiday Dance Parties (Yes, You Can Do This Too!)

One of my absolute favorite holiday traditions? Dancing! No, I’m not talking about anything too crazy—just some simple moves to get my body moving. I’ve learned that dancing is one of the best ways to keep my joints happy. Plus, it’s so much fun! Whether you’re grooving to Christmas tunes with family or just shaking it in the living room while cooking dinner, it’s a great way to stay active without overdoing it. 💃

If you have arthritis or sciatica like me, just keep it low-impact. Think side-to-side steps, gentle swaying, or even some seated dancing. You’d be amazed at how much it lifts your spirits while helping your joints. 🎶

🎅 5. Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing

Now, if you’re someone who loves a bit of outdoor adventure (like me), snowshoeing or cross-country skiing can be a fantastic way to stay active during the winter. These activities are gentle on your joints but still give your whole body a workout. I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors, but snowshoeing is my go-to during the winter because it’s easy to pick up, and the fresh air does wonders for my mood.

If you’ve never tried it, start small and work your way up. You don’t need to be out there for hours—just a short, slow-paced session will keep your joints happy and give you a boost of energy for the rest of your day. ❄️

💡 Bonus Tip: Use Outback Pain Cream for Extra Relief

Look, after all the activity, we’re all going to have a few sore spots. I don’t know about you, but I’ve definitely had days when I felt like I overdid it (oops!). That’s where our Outback Pain Cream comes in. I use it for quick relief—whether it’s my knees, back, or shoulders, it helps soothe that soreness so I can keep going. It’s a lifesaver during this busy season!

I get it—the holidays can be tough on our bodies. But with a little planning and the right activities, we can stay active without causing more pain. Whether you’re decorating, walking in the snow, or dancing around the house, these simple moves will help keep your joints happy and healthy throughout the season.

Here’s to a festive, pain-free holiday season!

Mark

**Before starting any new exercise routine or activity, it’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor—especially if you’re dealing with joint pain, arthritis, or sciatica.