How to Keep Your Shoulders Happy This Holiday Season

If you’ve ever tried to wrestle a fully decorated Christmas tree into the stand, you know what I’m talking about: my shoulders were screaming before the lights even went on. Between lifting boxes of decorations, reaching for the top shelf, and carrying bags of gifts, holiday prep can feel like a full-on shoulder workout—and not the fun kind.

A few years back, I realized I was ignoring the little twinges in my shoulders until they turned into full-blown grumbles. Now I tackle holiday shoulder strain differently, and it makes the season way more enjoyable.

Here’s what works for me:

1. Prep before the heavy lifting

A couple of minutes of shoulder rolls and stretches goes a long way before tackling decorations, gifts, or that Christmas tree. Here’s what I do:

• Shoulder Rolls: Roll your shoulders forward 10 times, then backward 10 times. I even do this while waiting for the oven timer or standing in line at the store. Tiny move, big relief.

• Wall Angels: Stand with your back against a wall, feet a few inches out. Press your lower back lightly against the wall, then slowly raise your arms up and down like a snow angel. Repeat 8–10 times. This opens up tight chest muscles and eases shoulder tension—perfect after hauling boxes or decorations.

• Cross-Body Stretch: Bring one arm across your chest and hold it with the opposite hand for 15–20 seconds. Switch arms. I do this between wrapping presents—it keeps my shoulder muscles from tightening up mid-holiday frenzy.

• Overhead Reach Stretch: Reach both arms straight overhead and gently stretch side to side. Hold each side for 10 seconds. Great for reaching the top shelf or adjusting lights on the tree.

A few minutes of these stretches can save hours of soreness later.

2. Break tasks into chunks

Instead of hauling all the shopping bags in one go or trying to hang every ornament at once, I take a few trips or tackle one section at a time. My shoulders—and my patience—thank me.

3. Quick relief on the go

This is where the 30-Day Pack of Outback Oil Sachets really shines. These little towelettes are drenched in our oil, and I keep a few in my backpack, car, or right by the tree. When my shoulders start screaming after decorating or shopping, I tear open a sachet, wipe it on, and feel relief almost instantly. Pair it with a quick stretch, and I can actually finish the task without cursing the holiday spirit.

4. Warm it up

A few minutes with a heating pad or a warm shower before heading out for holiday errands helps loosen things up. Combine that with a little Outback Oil, and my shoulders feel a world better.

The holidays don’t have to mean sore shoulders or grumpy moods. A few stretches, smart pacing, and some portable relief can keep you feeling good—even when you’re juggling packages, trees, and the occasional gingerbread disaster.

Stay loose,
Mark