For many of us, the start of spring means it’s time for spring cleaning. Refreshing your home and cleaning up common allergens, such as dust, can be beneficial for your health.
However, if you don’t take precautions, you can easily get carried away and hurt yourself.
No one wants to deal with an injury, whether it’s from a pulled muscle or dangerous fall.
Follow these tips to stay safe and injury-free this spring-cleaning season:
1. Warm up: Taking a few minutes to do some light stretching can help you avoid muscle strains. Going for a 5-10 walk before getting started can prepare your body to tackle your chores.
2. Make a plan: Injuries tend to happen when people overdo it and try to get everything done in one day. Instead, plan to space out chores over a few days or weeks to reduce the impact on your body.
3. Use proper body movements: When lifting heavy objects, bend at your knees and keep your back straight. Keep your shoulders relaxed when working overhead or doing repetitive motions, such as scrubbing.
4. Use tools: Use mops with tall handles rather than scrubbing floors on your hands and knees. Try using a cordless vacuum which is lighter than a traditional vacuum. Use ladders or step stools to reach up high rather than trying to balance on unsteady furniture.
5. Take breaks: Taking frequent, short breaks throughout the cleaning process will give your body much needed rest. Use this time to drink water — staying hydrated helps muscles recover.
The most important thing is to listen to your body. If you notice any pain while cleaning, stop and take a break in order to avoid turning a small issue into a larger one.
If you do notice any soreness after cleaning, use heating or cooling pads to soothe troubled areas. Heat is best for stiffness while ice reduces inflammation and swelling.
If you don’t start feeling better after a few days or if an injury is affecting your daily life, talk to your doctor.
Natalie Peters is the community health educator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
