The lead-up to Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year because everything hangs on the success of the big day. However the emotional and physical stress we often suffer beforehand can hamper our enjoyment and even cause us pain.

Here, osteopath Paul Clusker offers his top Christmas survival tips:

Planning

• A little goes a long way; try to organise so that other people can help you with all the things you need to do.

• In the morning, try to do some squat exercises with your feet flat on the floor (stretching the spinal cord keeps the spinal canal more open).

• At the end of the day lie on the floor and bring your knees gently up to your chest and hold for a few seconds, do this for several repetitions to release any tension you may have in your back.

Shopping

• Think about your footwear before you hit the shops and wear comfortable, supportive shoes.

• Make sure you balance the weight you are carrying and, if necessary, make more than one trip.

• Take regular tea breaks and rest your feet.

• Wrap your presents either sitting at a table or standing at a work surface at waist height, not on the floor. People who sit cross legged and lean forward to wrap presents for hours can become stiff and could suffer from a locked up back.

The big day

• Avoid 'turkey back' – when putting a heavy turkey into a low level oven keep your back straight, bend from the knees and stay close to the oven, so you are not over-straining.

• Keep mobile and take some gentle exercise to work off the Christmas feast.