Feeling the winter aches and pains? Struggling to get out of bed in the morning? The Christmas period is filled with ice-skating, winter (rainy) walks and coughs and colds, making your body vulnerable to the winter chill.
StyleNest have teamed up with Simon Cabot, clinical lead physiotherapist at Nuffield Health in Canary Wharf to help you tackle those winter aches and pains.
Tip 1. Keep on moving
Remember to stay active during the cold months to prevent that stiff feeling, particularly in your knees. By moving regularly, this will help to lubricate and nourish your joints. If you’re heading out into the cold air for a jog, break a light sweat first, then stretch to help maintain mobility and reduce the risk of pulling a muscle. If you’re normally a cycling shorts type of girl, don some full-length leggings (with reflector strips) for your run or cycle to keep your muscles warm and reduce the risk of injury.
Tip 2. Vitamins and minerals
As well as essential for calcium absorption and bone health, a lack of Vitamin D can often contribute towards musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the lower back. It can be tricky to get your daily dose of vitamin D during the winter months and so we’d recommend taking a supplement each day and try to make a conscious effort to go for a brisk walk outside during your lunch break, to catch the sun when it’s shining.
Tip 3. Wrap up and keep warm
If you’re a seasonal sufferer of chilblains in your hands and feet, always have a pair of mittens to hand (they’re better at keeping your circulation flowing compared to gloves), and allow your feet to breathe when you leave outside and enter a warm room. A cosy scarf is also a winter essential to prevent both neck and back pain, often caused by tensing in the chill. Use a hot water bottle to soothe aches and pains. Microwavable wheat bags also work really well and can be used at work, at home or even whilst driving. They’re very versatile – they can be used anywhere and at any time.
Tip 4. Tackle those Christmas treats
Tempting as they are, cocktails, comfort food and canapés tend to be a lethal combination to gain weight during these months. Try to avoid those sugary, processed snacks when you can, to minimise the inflammation at your joints, but if the appeal for a second mince pie is a little too much, make sure you take it with you on a stroll.
Tip 6. Avoid slips and trips
High heals, ice and carrying a bunch of bags is a recipe for disaster. Inappropriate footwear mixed with icy surfaces can be the cause for serious accidents such as fractures and sprains.
For more information visit, www.nuffieldghealth.com
Click here to read about StyleNest’s winter skincare saviours.