The mornings are starting to get lighter and the days are getting longer which means spring is on its way! Looking around the house I know it’s nearly time for my annual spring clean. Which means de-cluttering, steam-cleaning floors, thorough scrubbing and mopping as well as getting into the garden.
Unfortunately heavy lifting, scrubbing and difficult household jobs can be tough on your body, specifically your back, especially if you have a history of lower back pain.
Below is a list of tips to try and avoid injuring your back during this years spring clean!
- Take it slow – yes, it is tempting to try and get most things done in a single weekend and just ‘power through’. But repetitive lifting, bending and cleaning, when it’s not something you normally do, is a recipe for injury.
- Split up your jobs – try to vary the type of work you do in a day. For example try to separate your mopping, vacuuming and/or carpet steam cleaning with an activity that takes you out of that bent over position – such as standing and sorting out your wardrobe.
- Get a family member or friend to help with heaving lifting – just because you can lift a heavy couch, doesn’t mean you should.
- If you are sorting out a cupboard or boxes – try to place all of your items on a bench or higher surface to avoid unnecessary repetitive bending.
- Separate items and rubbish into smaller piles and boxes to avoid overfilling and making them too heavy to lift.
- Take regular breaks – it may take a little longer but it is the easiest way to help prevent injury. If you have just spent the last hour bent over in the garden, take a 5-minute break and stand up or walk around to give your back a break.
- Get the family and kids involved – the more hands the better!