FEELING GREAT: Five daily habits that reduce stiffness

The question goes something like this: “Paul, do you have any advice for someone like me who isn’t in a lot of pain, I’m just incredibly stiff when I wake up on a morning?”

Here’s five quick and easy tips to add to your daily routine that will help you find a life with less stiffness no matter what age you are.

1. Stretch – daily.

Ten minutes on a morning when you first wake up, and ten minutes on a night before bed.

Doing gentle stretches just before bed can help you get a much better nights’ sleep as well.

No equipment needed, just you and the comfort of your own home.

2. Walk – for at least ten minutes a day.

Take advantage of nice weather and get outside for a walk each day.

3. Avoid long periods of sitting.

We’re NOT designed to sit, stand up at regular intervals through the day to avoid getting stiff from sitting.

4. Take a warm bath.

Ideally with epsom salt or baking soda.

The heat and combination of epsom salt or baking soda will ease your muscles almost immediately and will calm your mind.

5. Drink plenty of water

Seventy per cent of your muscles are water.

So, it makes sense that you need to drink plenty of water to support your body and keep it hydrated.

My tip – have a glass of water by your bed and make sure to drink the whole thing when you wake up to start your day.

It’s sad but a lot of people accept stiffness in their life as though it’s normal and nothing can be done about it.

Stiffness in your joints such as your neck, shoulders, back and knees is a sign that something needs to be done by you.

Don’t accept stiffness as part of life, if you do and you don’t do anything about it, it’s likely to worsen and affect your ability to move freely.