LIFE+ Blog

FUN FACT: Performing household chores is a good way to get in physical activity for the day. It can provide the same health benefits as going to the gym. A recent study by Lear et al. demonstrates that any type of physical activity, whether through running, walking, or domestic duties, can lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

But have you ever thrown out your back doing the simplest of tasks such as lifting the laundry basket, loading the dishwasher, or taking out the trash? Or experienced sore shoulders after some top shelf dusting? Most people just push through the pain, but it gets worse by the day, and before you know it you can’t sit, stand, walk, or sleep without having any pain.

Here are 3 tips, you can use to avoid injuries and keep your heart healthy while cleaning!

Learn how to squat properly

Bending down at the waist is a common mistake people make when performing household chores. This can put a lot of strain to your muscles, and with enough repetition, you can throw out your back.

To avoid injury:

• Squat down
• Don’t bend with your back!
• Keep the object close to your body
• Lift with your legs.

Getting down into a squatting position and keeping the object close to your body (when you pick a sock off the floor or carrying your laundry basket) can minimize the stress on your back.

Use a Step Stool

Repetitive overhead motion and the excessive reaching when dusting the top shelf of the cabinet, washing the windows, or changing a light bulb can put a lot of wear and tear on your shoulders and wrists.

Consider using a step stool to reach high items. If you don’t have a step stool, lift your heel and go on up on your toes to support yourself!

Take breaks!

People tend to perform household chores in a rush to get done as quickly as possible. But if you have a lot of chores to do, take short, frequent breaks. Stretching your muscles during rest breaks can help you avoid any injuries.

A good stretch to do between breaks:

1. Take a broom or a towel and hold it above your head with both hands
2. Reach sideways
3. Hold for 10 second each direction, and repeat several times

Who knew household chores could be risky business? By doing these 3 tips, you can perform your household chores without worrying about getting hurt. Happy cleaning!