Fall has hung around longer than usual this year. The jackets stayed in the closet, the sweaters got a bonus week off, and for a while it almost felt like winter had lost our address.
But we all remember last winter. It arrived with a lot of snow and plenty of attitude, and it overstayed its welcome. Last month we said that Mother Nature is in no hurry, but she always crosses the line. Well, she's rounding the final corner.
Fall, don’t leave yet!
This bonus stretch of fall, with its above-zero temperatures, is a gift, and it's the perfect moment to get your body ready for the below-zero days. Here's how to make the most of it.
What the cold does to your body
If your body grumbles when the temperature drops, you're not the only one. Cold air makes muscles tighten up, which can leave you feeling stiff and a little creaky. Joints can be less friendly too, and we feel the old injuries when the frost arrives.
We also tend to move less when it's chilly, and less movement leads to more stiffness. It's a bit of a cold-weather loop, and a very Northern Ontario problem, but there's plenty we can do about it.
Staying active when the weather says stay in
When it's dark by suppertime and the wind is howling, the couch has a lot going for it. But there's an opportunity here. Staying active through winter keeps your muscles and joints happier, and it makes the jump to spring much smoother. Taking care of yourself is a little like adding wood to the fire. It can lift your mood, and it might just help with your holiday preparations too, since the next few weeks are full of lifting, hauling, decorating, and standing in kitchens.
You don't need a big plan. A few small habits are enough:
Take short walks. On the days that allow it, even ten minutes counts.
Stretch at home. A few gentle stretches while the shower warms up are a fine start.
Have an indoor backup. When the roads and sidewalks are a mess, try a new fitness class or a simple routine in the living room.
Getting ready for winter jobs and play
Have you noticed all the thin plastic signs popping up next to driveways around town this fall? A lot of folks seem to be done with shovelling snow and planning to pay someone else to do it this year. Whether or not you're shovelling snow this winter, there are always plenty of outdoor tasks to do this time of year. When you tackle them, warm up first, take breaks, and go easy.
Winter play deserves some prep too. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and walking the dog all ask a lot of our bodies when it's cold outside. Cold muscles are less forgiving, so give yours a few minutes of warm-up before you head out. Dress in layers, pace yourself, and pay attention to how you feel. Winter fun should be… well, fun, right?
And don't forget, Christmas is coming. Untangling that knot of lights sitting in the shed, garage, or basement, and dealing with trees, boxes, bags, and bins are winter jobs, too.
Use your bonus time
Here's where that extra bit of fall we're getting this year can pay off. A little prep now is a lot easier than scrambling in the middle of a snowstorm. Here's a short checklist:
Try a simple warm-up routine. Five to ten minutes of easy walking, arm circles, and gentle stretches before you tackle outdoor tasks. Repeat as needed.
Get your gear sorted. Find your boots, gloves, and shovel while the weather is still kind, and make sure your boots have a good grip.
Pick a winter move you like. Snowshoes, a ski trail, or a new class. If you enjoy it, you'll keep doing it.
Look after the nagging aches. That cranky back or grumpy shoulder you've been ignoring is easier to deal with now than in January. Think of it as a pre-winter tune-up.
How Aston Wellness can help
Different therapies help at different times, so here are a few options worth trying:
Chiropractic care can help ease joint and back stiffness so you can move more comfortably.
Massage therapy eases tight, cold-weary muscles.
Red light therapy can be a helpful addition for comfort and recovery.
Shockwave therapy is an option for stubborn aches that keep you on the couch.
Not sure which one suits you? Give us a call and we'll talk it through.
Ready when winter is
Winter will arrive when it arrives. With a little prep, you can meet it with a smile, or at least with a good warm-up. We made it through last winter, and this year we've got a head start.
Reach out to us any time. We're here to help.