Ah, August. The month of sandy toes, staycations, and the hopeful hunt for two consecutive days of sunshine in the UK! ☀️
You’d think it would be the most relaxing month of the year… but oddly, it’s when many people walk into our clinic complaining of tight shoulders, neck pain, and that ever familiar lower back twinge.
So, what gives? ?
The Myth of the “Relaxing” Summer
Summer is often sold as a time to relax. But between organising childcare, squeezing work around holidays, sitting for hours on sun warmed (but ergonomically disastrous) deck chairs, or sleeping on unfamiliar beds during travels, it’s no wonder your body feels out of sync. ?
Add to that the pressure of having to enjoy yourself and switch off, and it turns out August can be just as stressful as December!
Tension Doesn’t Take Time Off
Your muscles and nervous system don’t have a holiday mode. If you’ve been carrying stress or physical imbalances through the year, they won’t magically melt away in the sun. In fact, travel, heat, dehydration, and disrupted routines can make existing issues worse. ?
Some common complaints we see in August:
- Neck strain from long car journeys or sleeping in funny positions
- Shoulder tension (especially parents entertaining kids 24/7)
- Lower back pain from sleeping in different bedsor overly enthusiastic gardening
- Headaches triggered by dehydration or stress
- New injuries from new hobbies or BBQ ‘adult beverage’ related moments of bravery ?
Real Relaxation is a Skill
You don’t need a spa weekend or a hammock in the Maldives to relax (although it helps!). What your body needs is regular, intentional care… the kind that tells your nervous system it’s safe to let go. ?
That might mean:
- Booking a massage to release built up tension
- Keeping your regular chiropractic appointments even through the holidays
- Stretching each morning (especially if you’re out of routine)
- Staying hydrated and keeping active (gentle walks or swims work wonders)
Small Habits, Big Impact
Try this: for the next week, start and end your day with 3 deep breaths. It sounds simple, but you’ll be amazed how often we hold tension without realising. Combine that with some gentle neck and shoulder stretches, and you’re already ahead of most.
And if you’re feeling particularly frazzled, come and see us. We’ll help you reset!
Remember: Relaxation isn’t a location… it’s a practice.
