How To Survive the Polar Vortex in Comfort
Recently, Airdrie Alberta has been hit with a vortex of cold, windy, whiteout weather creating a wintry white wonderland.
With these chilly weather conditions, many of our daily activities become more challenging; taxing the body and tiring it out faster. Shoveling the walkway, daily vehicle drives, running out to pump the gas, and simply grabbing groceries are all more exhausting! For many of us, rapid weather changes can trigger a sudden onset of muscle stiffness and soreness. If this speaks to you, you might ask why this is happening and what you can do about it.
WHY am I SO SORE!?
When muscles get cold, they lose heat, which causes them to contract. Contraction causes tension in the muscles and tendons, forcing the muscle to work harder to keep up with the increased demand. Not addressing tension contributes to aches, pains, and joint tightening; this increases the risk of nerve pinching. Muscle tension and a pinched nerve leave most people less mobile and less active.
WHAT can I Do!?
If cold weather triggers your muscular aches, pains and joint stiffness, try these PRO TIPs.
Dress for the weather. Weather-appropriate clothes might mean a scarf, a windproof jacket on a windy day, a coat that covers your hips, warm mittens, or a hat that covers your forehead, the base of your head and ears. Underdressing can lead to heat loss and muscle stiffness.
Take hot showers or a warm bath to help warm up. Heat helps to relax muscles and increase circulation, improving the flexibility of the muscle and improving healing and soreness reduction.
Seek out other types of heat. Infrared heat can get deep into the body and help increase circulation, effectively reduce tension, and promote healing. Try an infrared heat sauna, infrared heating pads or infrared light therapy.
Winter weather can be challenging in many ways, but we don't have control over mother nature. What we can control is how we dress and keep our bodies warm during cold months to help us feel pain-free and energetic.
Now for my BEST Tip:
Get a massage! At Vitalessence Living Massage Therapy, I use a heated massage table adjusted to your preference to help you relax and unwind. A massage can go a long way if you need help with your stubborn muscle tension.
If a massage is what you need, reach out and book one today.
FUN FACT:
The coldest temperature on record is -89.2 degrees celsius, recorded in Vostok Station, Antarctica, on 21 July 1983. (Reference: World: Lowest Temperature.)
