By now, it seems as though the Thanksgiving turkey has finally receded into a mere gastronomic memory, and our thoughts have turned to the next important task at hand: holiday shopping. If you are like me and don’t relish the thought of fighting crowds in parking lots at the malls, then cyber-shopping is here to rescue us. While shopping online may seem like the answer to escaping much of the holiday madness, it might just come with its own unique set of problems: muscle cramps!

Sitting at the computer for hours on end can wreak havoc with good posture. I always start out my computer sessions with the best of intentions, only to realize that as the minutes begin slipping away, so does my posture! Before I know it, I am slouching, a sure invitation for neck cramps and lower back pain later in the day.

If we could pay as much attention to our body mechanics as we do to the fabulous online sales, we might make great strides in terms of fewer aches and pains. Focus on pulling your abdominals in towards your spinal cord, and keeping your chin pointing toward the middle of your computer screen.

Take frequent breaks, allowing your credit card to cool off, and walk around the room. Returning circulation to your lower extremities will go a long way toward preventing leg cramping. Periodically rotating your neck from side to side will also help you maintain a sense of body awareness.

Keeping an eye on your postural health is just as vital to a successful holiday as keeping a close vigil on the best online deals.

Happy, healthy cyber-shopping!