How Many Tasks Require Bending?
You don’t realize how much of life depends on it — until you can’t.
As I'm going through my daily morning routine, it hits me again just how many tasks require bending.
Of course, I can still do these movements.
Until you can't.
Back in 2019, I slipped a disk and herniated another. All movement requiring the use of my back stopped cold.
It happened while I was prepping my mail route for the day. I was carrying a tray of flats to my case when the pain hit hard. I barely made it back to my case to set the mail down without dropping it.
The pain was excruciating. I could barely move.
My boss at the time was all about getting the mail out. She kept asking if I couldn't do my route that day.
Not a chance. A snowball in a heatwave had a better shot.
About an hour later, I found myself in the ER — a place where finding a comfortable position while in excruciating pain becomes its special challenge.
And because the day wasn't bizarre enough, the hospital was conducting an active shooter drill and practicing for a live shooter scenario.
My "job" was to find a safe place to hide. I'm in a wheelchair, barely able to move, scanning for somewhere that wouldn’t be obvious. I came up empty. Oh well. If it had been real, I guess the cards would fall where they may.
Long story short — major back surgery followed.
What surprised me most afterward was just how much bending was required for basic tasks. I'd never thought about it before, like most people. We do things without realizing what's involved… until you can't.
And you're reminded the moment you try.
Things as simple as sitting on the toilet — yeah, that one surprised me the most.
Most sinks are designed for people of short or average height. Even at just 5 feet tall, I still have to bend to brush my teeth or do the dishes.
Getting dressed? Don't even get me started—too many bending moments to list here. I remember when I was pregnant, trying to tie combat boots without even being able to see my feet — that was its special challenge.
Even though it’s been several years since my surgery, I didn’t realize how much of an impact it still had on my actions until I started caring for my mom.
She had limited mobility, so I did a lot of lifting — moving her from the wheelchair to the sofa or bed, and getting her on the toilet.
After doing it just a couple of times, it hit home. I had to be careful not to hurt my back, or I’d end up unable to help her… and later, my dad.
So next time you go to do an activity, stop for a second. If you have to bend to accomplish the task, take note.
You'll be amazed at how much of daily life requires bending — until you can't.
And when you can't, you'll never look at the simplest tasks the same way again.
Sometimes it's not the big stuff that humbles you… It's wrestling with the toothpaste cap.
So today, bend without thinking — and be thankful you can. Because one day, you might not.
“What’s one movement you’re grateful you can still do today?”