I love to entertain. Having friends and family over to celebrate with food and drinks brings me a lot of joy. Over the years we have thrown many 4th of July BBQs, themed dinner parties, fun birthday gatherings, beer tastings, and even simple get togethers. I enjoy being creative with decorations, food, activities and making sure my guests have an unforgettable time.
But you want to know what I don’t love? The back pain, foot pain, and headache that come from running around like a crazy person before, during, and after entertaining. I should know better. Therefore, as my body ages and becomes less forgiving I am starting to implement some tips and tricks to keep my body happy and healthy when entertaining.
So with just a few weeks till Thanksgiving, and a little over a month till Christmas I thought it would be the perfect time to share some of these easy tips. And I know these are unprecedented times and you may not be throwing the big family or friend holiday bash like normal. But even if you’re just having your immediate family over or cooking a big holiday meal for your spouse you could still benefit from some of these easy tips.
Tips for Keeping Your Body Happy When Entertaining:
This might seem obvious when throwing a party, but planning ahead can really help prevent body pain. Plan ahead for when you are going to grocery shop, clean, cook etc. so you are not scrabbling to do everything the night before or day of the gathering. Break up the more physical tasks into different days. Plan what you are going to serve 2-3 weeks ahead so you can plan your shopping trips and prolonged cooking. (see Tip #2)
Tip 2: Break up your grocery shopping trips
Plan ahead and break up your shopping for the event into several different trips. Try to purchase items that can keep in the pantry and/or are bigger and heavier items (bottled water, soda, canned goods) earlier on. This will help you avoid loading up and pushing a very heavy (or even two) shopping carts.
Tip 3. Wear supportive shoes
When standing and cooking make sure your feet are well supported to avoid back, hip, knee or foot pain. Supportive house shoes or an antifatigue mat can be very helpful. Entertaining usually involves a lot of running around to make sure all your guests are happy so on the day of the event be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Tip 4. Stagger your feet to reduce low back stress
Another tips for reducing low back pain when standing and cooking in the kitchen is to stagger your feet. Placing one foot on a small stool or even an open cabinet reduces the overall stress that is placed on the low back.
Tip 5. Avoid reaching overhead with both hands
A big reach overhead with both arms can place your low back at risk for a muscle strain or spasm. Instead grab a step stool to grab items that are out of reach overhead.
Tip 6: Eat and Drink Water
Make sure to eat and drink as you would normally on the day of the event. Fill up a large water bottle and try to keep it nearby as you cook, clean, or entertain. Dehydration can cause increased muscle cramps and headaches. Be sure to serve yourself up a plate of food. Not eating can also lead to headaches, lightheadedness, and even a tendency to overeat later on. Take a second and enjoy whatever delicious food you prepared.
Tip 7. Welcome Help
If you are anything like me it’s hard to welcome help. But do as I say, not as I do. Welcome help from your spouse, your family, or your kids. Trying to do everything yourself will lead to fatigue and burn out. Refer to Tip #1, plan ahead and delegate tasks.
Tip 8. Stretch
If you feel your muscles tightening up either on the day of or after the event be sure to stretch. Check out some great low back stretches, neck stretches, and knee stretches to help alleviate muscle aches and pains.
Final Thoughts:
The holidays are a time we can all look forward to, no matter how they are celebrated. Be sure to keep your body healthy by implementing some of these tips if you are planning on doing a bit of entertaining. Whether you are an old mom, a new mom, or not even a mom, we can all benefit from a couple ideas to keep our bodies pain free. Be sure to follow along and check out my other tips for keeping pain away during household tasks and caring for kids.
Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy holiday.
-Monica
