Changes to normal routines can affect pelvic health over the holiday season more than many people realise.
Travel, long periods of sitting, busy schedules, rich food, less movement, and disrupted sleep can all place extra load on the pelvic floor. Being aware of this can help you stay comfortable and well.
Here are a few gentle pelvic health reminders to support your body over the holidays:
✨ Keep your body moving over the holiday season
Long car trips, flights, and relaxed days can increase pelvic discomfort, constipation, or bladder symptoms. Gentle exercise or stretching throughout the day can make a real difference.
🚻 Avoid “holding on” for too long
Busy days and travel can lead to delayed bladder emptying. And don’t limit fluid so that you don’t need to go! Try to stay hydrated. If you find yourself in an unfamiliar place, and need to get to a toilet – check out Toilets NZ – they have lists of public toilets in many towns and cities around New Zealand.
💧 Support your bowel health
Changes in diet, hydration, and routine can contribute to constipation – don’t ignore your bowel. Straining for a bowel motion places extra strain on the pelvic floor. Staying well hydrated, eating fibre-rich foods, and responding to the urge to open your bowels will help protect pelvic health over the holiday season.
🧠 Listen to pelvic floor signals
Symptoms such as pelvic pain, heaviness or pressure, bladder or bowel leakage, or discomfort with intimacy are not something you need to push through. These can be signs that your pelvic floor would benefit from support. (For more help around pain with sex click here)
🌿 Remember that rest matters
Rest and recovery are important for the pelvic floor and the nervous system. Slower days, quality sleep, and moments of calm all play a role in pelvic health.
If pelvic floor symptoms have been on your mind, the holiday season can be a helpful time to notice what your body needs. Booking a pelvic health physiotherapy assessment is a positive way to start the new year feeling more comfortable and confident. You can contact us here for further information.
Warm wishes for a safe, healthy holiday season
— Your Pelvic Health Physio Team