Here are five ways we might be feeling stiff in the colder weather and what we can do to feel better.
1. Posture
As we start to get cold, we tend to scrunch our shoulders and round our back (literally bracing against the cold). Here is the link to a free five minute yoga sequence with Lucy Maresh to help you ease out shoulder stiffness and stand up tall.
2. Vasoconstriction
Muscles tighten in the cold to constrict blood vessels throughout the body so that less heat reaches the surface and we are better able to maintain our core temperature. Try to keep your middle warm with extra layers or by hugging a hot water bottle!
3. Vitamin D
We tend to stay indoors more when it is colder and thus get less sunshine. Try not to let the colder weather keep you indoors all day – even just a short walk in the middle of the day can help, especially when the sun is shining (it will help you keep moving too). In the UK, government advice is that everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter.
4. Stress
Lower temperatures place our bodies under mild stress which affects our nervous systems which in turn affects EVERYTHING. Relaxation and deep breathing can help to bring us back into balance. Here is the link to a free guided relaxation which includes a visualisation of lying on a warm, sunny beach.
5. Synovial Fluid
Lower temperatures can change the thickness of the fluid in our joints, which makes them feel stiffer – you are not just imagining this. The good news is that ‘motion is lotion’ and even just a few minutes of gentle exercise will help relax your muscles, warm your blood and lubricate your joints.
Here is the link to a free full length yoga class with Lucy Maresh that will gently move all your joints and help you feel better.