Working while standing all day can create some long-term health problems unless you pace yourself and have the right footwear. Use these six ideas to ensure that you have a long, stress free, and healthy salon career.
Over time, even the healthiest, physically fit stylists start to feel the affects of standing over a chair all day long. You may not feel the pain for a year or two but eventually you may begin to question your ability to maintain your strength over a thirty-year stint.
Here are some tips that will soften the physical strain of standing all day long.
Keep Your Legs Moving
Standing in one place or sitting for long periods inhibit the blood flow to arms, legs, and the brain. In between clients, take a quick stroll through the salon or out the front door and around the parking lot. Ample blood circulation keeps your mind, muscles, and fingertips in tip top shape.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Hydrate your body with lots of water. Talking to customers all-day and working around hot appliances dries out the skin and pulls liquids from the body. Resist the idea that soft drinks, coffee, and energy drinks do as much good as water. If they did, God would have made underground springs taste like 7-up.
Wear Shoes That Feel Great
Find shoes that fit comfortably, don’t pinch, and are not so large that you slide around inside the shoe while moving. Firm soles offer the back support that will get you through a ten-hour workday. Cushy insoles protect your feet from sores and potential blisters.
Take A Break From Standing
If you get a chance, sit down and elevate your feet to relieve tension and pressure on your lower body and skeletal structure. The spine bears the brunt of standing all day. Treat the spine like a great employee. Give your back a well deserved rest, two or three times a day.
Make Bathing A Ritual
A tub full of hot water and herbal salts is one of the best ways for your body to heal on a daily basis and regroup for the coming day. The muscles relax and prepare your mind and body for a guaranteed good night’s sleep. At the salon, a quick ten minute foot bath at lunch will do wonders for your stamina.
Build Your Muscle Strength
Your legs are more important to your career than a sharp pair of scissors or a blow dryer on steroids. Outside of work, do some regular exercises that strengthen your upper leg muscles, calves, and stomach. You will notice an immediate difference in your ability to stand for long periods of time.
Logan is founder of Donna Bella Milan hair extensions and lashes and author of the Donna Bella weblog.