Easy Ways To An Ache-Free Winter (and why cold weather seems to sneak into your joints)

I don’t know about you, but the first really chilly morning of the season always catches me off guard. One minute I’m fine, the next I’m moving like someone twice my age and wondering if I slept in the shape of a pretzel.

Maybe you’ve felt it too: the stiffness, the slow warm-up, that “hm… this feels tighter than usual” moment.

According to rheumatologists, there’s a reason winter can feel a bit harsher on the body. When the temperature drops, your system prioritises keeping your core warm, which means less blood flow to muscles and joints. Low barometric pressure plays a role too, often increasing inflammation and making movement feel a little more… stubborn.

Still, winter doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. There are small, surprisingly doable things that help your body stay limber, warm and far less cranky.

 

 

 

Keep Moving (even when your sofa whispers your name)

 

Our strength and flexibility naturally dip with age, but the ability to improve never goes away. That’s the hopeful part.

Gentle, regular movement keeps joints and the muscles around them strong and supple. Walking, swimming, yoga, Pilates—anything that keeps you moving without overstraining.

You don’t need a full workout session every day either. A short stretch while the kettle boils, or a walk around the block on your lunch break, adds up more than we think.

 

 

 

Stretch Every Day (just a little)

 

Physiotherapists suggests spending 10–15 minutes on targeted stretching daily. In reality, this can be as simple as a mini cool-down after exercise or a few slow movements before bed.

It helps improve mobility and reduces stiffness, especially when the cold tries to take over.

 

 

 

Cut Back On Sugar

 

I know… not the easiest advice during the season of mulled wine and gingerbread everything.

But too much sugar increases inflammation, which tends to aggravate stiffness and pain. It also contributes to weight gain, putting extra pressure on joints. A few swaps here and there can make a difference.

 

 

Sleep Smart

 

Good sleep is one of the most underrated anti-inflammatory tools we have. Seven to nine hours is the sweet spot for letting the body repair, recharge, and calm itself down.

Easier said than done, but worth aiming for.

 

 

Think Vitamin C

 

Collagen—the stuff cushioning your joints—needs vitamin C to form properly. Citrus fruits, peppers, berries, broccoli… winter is actually full of options.

And if you’re someone who loves a good skincare crossover, vitamin C is also fantastic for your complexion. I actually use Face It Serum for that reason: it’s packed with antioxidant-rich oils (including chia seed oil) that help the skin stay plump and hydrated in the cold.

You can read more here: Face It Serum

 

 

Look After Your Mental Health

 

Joint pain and low mood can feed into each other, especially when the days get darker. If you feel yourself dipping or struggling, reaching out—whether to a GP, therapist, friend, or a charity like Versus Arthritis—can make a world of difference.

 

 

Power Up Prevention

 

Staying mobile is one of the strongest predictors of staying independent as we age. Not in a pressure-filled way, but in a “small habits now make things easier later” kind of way.

 

 

Winter doesn’t have to be something you brace for. With a few gentle habits, a little stretching, some warm layers, and maybe a vitamin-rich boost for your skin, your body can feel surprisingly resilient—even on those frosty mornings when everything looks a bit too icy for comfort.

If your skin needs extra winter support too, you can explore Face It Serum here:

👉 https://trueorganicofsweden.com/products/face-it-serum