The New Year is right around the corner, so let’s plan on going into 2019 happy, healthy, and pain-free. Here are five simple ways you can avoid joint pain and stiffness this winter.
Dress Warm
When the temperature drops, layering clothing is a great way to keep warm and avoid stiffness in your joints. The majority of body heat escapes through your extremities, so wear knit beanies, gloves, hats, and thick socks. Loose layers such as t-shirts, leggings, cardigan sweaters and scarves will help keep you cozy and warm and still able to comfortably adjust between indoor and outdoor activities.
Exercise Indoors
Although staying in bed all day or hibernating on the couch next to the fireplace sounds really appealing during the winter months, lack of movement causes joint stiffness. Outside exercise can be rough because of the low temperature, so look into indoor activities to get yourself moving. Yoga, indoor cycling, and indoor water aerobics are just some examples of exercise programs that won’t leave you cold.
Hydrate
The connection between joint pain and dehydration may seem fuzzy at first, but connective tissues and joints need water to help with lubrication and flush out toxins. When your body lacks enough water, your joints become inflamed and your body won’t feel in tip-top condition. In short — it’s safe to say that keeping hydrated is a good idea for most aspects of your body’s health.
Schedule a Massage
Getting a massage isn’t something that should only be thought of as a luxury — it can also be extremely beneficial for your health. Massage can relax sore muscles around your joints and relieve that stiff feeling. The relaxing environment of a massage studio and simply having someone else take care of you can also eliminate stress and ease anxiety. Let your massage therapist know which areas are giving you the most pain so that they can focus pressure around that area.
Stay Safe
During the winter, the sun sets earlier, the temperature drops, and day-to-day errands may become a bit riskier. Wear comfortable shoes or boots with a good grip to avoid slipping on wet or icy patches of sidewalk and make sure your clothes are bright to keep you visible on evening walks. The older we get, the longer it takes our bodies to recover from things like falls, so be aware of your surroundings to avoid any accidents. Your body will thank you!
