Fit for Festivities By Archana Pande, Pune, India
Divali is almost round the corner and subtle signs of the changing season to be felt everywhere. Approaching festivities inspire most of us women to go into an overdrive of cleaning, revamping or just reorganising our homes irrespective of weather one. We all also enjoy making some special sweets or other festive foods for the family despite several readymade options and career commitments.
That’s all fine except that we end up becoming extremely tired or worse- end up aggravating any nagging aches and pains. I would like to suggest a few tips to so as to protect us from unwanted discomforts.
In the morning instead of just rushing out of bed and plunging headlong into work, spare a few moments in warming up. This means gently moving all the body joints a couple of times. So circle your wrists, bend elbows, hug yourself, move your ankles, bring in both legs towards your stomach slowly and gently. Turn to on one side and push up to sitting by pressing down with the hand. Never ever sit up with a jerk as it can harm the spine. All these movements are important, as the body has been static for 6-8 hours as we sleep. Take a couple of deep breaths and then get down to your day’s work.
The kitchen can be source of several nagging neck, shoulder or upper back pain as we do many repetitive and forceful movements here. The platform or ota should remain slightly below the elbow level so as to minimize bending and uncomfortable shoulder positions. If the ota is too high for you then standing on a low footstool will allow you to work comfortably. Conversely if the ota is too low then raise the vessel you are working with on a stand so as to achieve above status.
Now lets turn to the cooking procedure. Adjust the gas position so that the hands can work at shoulder level and are as close to the body as possible without compromising safety. This will keep the shoulders comfortably relaxed when cooking in large quantities in extra large vessels. So you can easily stir large quantities of besan for laddoos or fry some delicacy without any protests from your shoulder!
Do sit down every 30 minutes. Conversely if you are doing any work sitting at the table then you must stand up and walk around after every half an hour.
Use sharp knives so as to complete chopping effortlessly. Prepare in advance and keep all ingredients within easy reach. Hold a loaded cooker or large heavy vessels with both hands. If you have to wash up any vessels then avoid bending forwards or into the sink. Soak pots and pans in hot water to de-grease them. This way you will use lesser soap and force for getting the utensils to sparkle!
Cleaning cupboards is usually on our agenda for festive preparations. To reach tops of wardrobe or top shelves, stand on a stool. This will not only give you a better view but will also prevent unnecessary strain on the upper back. To reach behind cupboards, sofas and beds push them away instead of pulling. Take help to shift furniture if it is too big. A vaccuum cleaner is a better option which sucks away the collected dirt.
Yet another important thing is not to include too many acitivities on a single day. Hence if you plan to cook something then leave cleaning or shopping for another day. Those who have existing cervical spondilytis or frozen shoulder must avoid actions like forcefully kneading dough or prolonged grating. Use a food processor instead. Take on work in short stints allowing some relaxation time inbetween. Avoid cooking and talking on the phone at the same time. This forces the neck to remain inclined and can lead to problems if done repeatedly and for a long time.
Pamper your neck and shoulder region after a long day of cooking with a few stretches. These are best learnt from a qualified person. If you choose to take a nap post work then’ for quick relief, place a pillow under the knees when lying on the back. Go for a short brisk walk later to feel completely refreshed.
So go ahead with your festival planning and remain pain free thereafter.
Best wishes for a healthy and happy Divali to all of you!
Hi Archana,
Its almost like having Mom with you...You told us something we all might know but forget to implement...Thanks a lot, its just what we needed to read right now...its really hectic...
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hey , a very happy diwali to u too, in advance
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Hi, happy diwali to you too!
Cleaning up.... the very phrase brings out the escapist in me. But seeing that I've got to face the ineviatble, I organise the Oct-Nov schedule to precision, much before. 'Time management' comes to the fore thie time of the year.
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Hi Suneetha and Chaaya,
Thanks.
In our zest to clean up, cook, decorate etc we ignore ourselves which should not be the case. Those amongst us who are working have to get back to office which has its own set of demands.
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Hi Archana,
Wow! thanks really needed all those tips you put down. Hopefully I remember them and implement them too.
I mean a hard day infornt of you and so many things to handle, gets too stressful for us. Share some of your thoughts especially on these things.
And wishing one and all a VERY HAPPY DIWALI in advance.
Love Jessie
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Thank you Jess for your suggestion. Will certainly try and send in some ideas on managing stress.
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Hey Archana,
Now that was a nice piece of advice. I'll make sure that me and my mom what all you said and have a ‘painless’ diwali this time. A very happy diwali to you in advance! Have a blast!!!
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Good, useful tips Archana. Thanks and best wishes for the festive season.
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