04/25/2025
A good spring cleaning often means bending, lifting, and repetitive shoulder/arm movements - all of which can lead to significant injuries and pain.
Here are some tips to keep your body safe while you spring clean:
Warm up:
Try stretching or going for a walk before cleaning, and do not go from stationary to full steam ahead!
Break it Up:
Whether you are amongst family members or by yourself, divide and conquer! Change it up – do a bit of one task, and then another, and whatever you do, avoid repetitive motions!
Protect Sensitive Areas:
If you are recovering from a recent injury and you are not yet 100%, don’t overdo it. Pay attention to your movements and protect those areas.
Lift the Right Way:
Avoid back pain or strain by lifting objects (light or heavy) the right way. Load and bend your legs, not your back! All it takes is one wrong lift and twist to stop your progress and bring on pain.
Use your legs, not your back & ask for help – 2 is better than 1.
Listen to your Body:
Check in with your body throughout the task/workload. Do not wait until the end of the day or before bed to check-in and recognize the troubles that could have been avoided 5 hours ago.
If done correctly, spring cleaning can be a great workout for your body. Happy cleaning!
