How to Prevent Post-Holiday Flare-Ups After Thanksgiving

I'm always worried about flare-ups after Thanksgiving. With all the food, travel, and changes in routine, how can I prevent them from happening? - Evelyn R.

Great question! I know a lot of people worry about how their bodies will handle the food, long days, and travel during the holidays. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to talk about how you can prevent those dreaded flare-ups and feel your best, even after a big meal or a busy day. Let's dive in!

1. Don’t Overdo It with the Food 🍽️

I know, Thanksgiving food is delicious. But overindulging can lead to extra strain on your joints and nerves. A lot of us with neuropathy, arthritis, or sciatica find that rich, fatty foods or too much sugar can trigger flare-ups.

Here’s my tip: enjoy your favorites in moderation. Try to focus on smaller portions, especially when it comes to heavy meats and starchy sides. If you're planning to enjoy dessert (I know I am!), try to save a little room for it after a lighter meal. This way, you won’t overload your system, which can lead to discomfort later.

2. Stay Active (Even If It’s Just a Little Walk) 🚶‍♂️

After that big meal, the couch may seem tempting. But I’ll tell you—moving around, even just for a few minutes, can help ease joint stiffness and improve circulation, which may prevent or reduce flare-ups.

If you can, go for a short walk after your meal or do a few gentle stretches to keep everything moving and feeling good. A little activity goes a long way in helping your body feel its best!

3. Watch Your Posture During Travel ✈️🚗

Traveling during the holidays can take a toll on your back and joints, especially if you're driving long distances or sitting on a plane for hours.

If you’re traveling for Thanksgiving, be mindful of your posture. Try not to slouch, and make sure to take regular breaks when driving or sitting for extended periods. Stretching your legs and back every hour or so can help prevent that stiff, uncomfortable feeling that often leads to a flare-up.

4. Don’t Skip Your Daily Routine 🧴

I know it's easy to get busy during the holidays, but sticking to your daily pain relief routine is important. Whether you're using pain creams, supplements, or any other remedies that help manage your symptoms, don’t let the holiday chaos throw you off track.

Keeping up with your routine ensures that your body stays in balance, which can help prevent any flare-ups.

5. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! 💧

Dehydration is a sneaky culprit that can make everything feel worse, especially during the holidays. Between rich meals and all the hustle and bustle, it's easy to forget to drink water.

Dehydration can lead to more muscle stiffness, nerve discomfort, and increased fatigue. Make it a habit to drink water throughout the day, and remember, you don’t have to just rely on plain water—herbal teas or even water-rich fruits and veggies can help keep you hydrated, too.

6. Take Breaks to Rest 🛋️

With everything going on, it’s easy to overdo it. Remember, it’s okay to rest and recharge, especially if you’re feeling any aches or pain creeping in.

Give yourself permission to take breaks from cooking, cleaning, or even socializing. A few minutes of rest or a quick nap can help you feel better and prevent overexertion from leading to a flare-up.

By staying mindful of what your body needs and taking a few simple steps, you can help prevent those uncomfortable post-holiday flare-ups. You don’t have to skip out on the fun or the food, but taking care of yourself in small ways during the holiday hustle can make all the difference.

I hope these tips help you enjoy Thanksgiving to the fullest while keeping your joints and muscles happy! And if you need a little extra relief, don’t forget to check out our Black Friday Sale coming up soon—because we all deserve to feel good, especially during the holidays!

Mark