How to defend yourself from the cold. Behaviors and healthy habits to avoid contractures and muscle pain

Often the impact with the cold season can be problematic: our body is unprepared to face rigid temperatures and to change habits that it had abandoned for several months. Thus, it may happen that at the very first colds we come across powerful colds, contractures and muscle tension due to unexpected blows of air or various rather annoying cracks. However, there are some strategic moves that can be adopted to avoid the hassles of the winter season and which concern various areas of our life: from "nutrition to" clothing, up to domestic habits and personal care. Here are some precious tips to avoid being caught unprepared by the cold season and to live it to the fullest without being knocked out.

Cold contractures: methods to avoid muscle tension

It often happens that during the cold season we are accused of muscle contractures mainly due to blows of air or too violent temperature changes. How many times, even simply in late autumn, we let ourselves be surprised by freezing temperatures, without a scarf, hat or the right clothing? And here comes back pain, neck pain and various ailments. Covering yourself properly is in fact one of the first rules to protect yourself from the winter cold. But that's not all! Here are some healthy habits to follow to better face the season cold and avoid muscle tension and contractures:

  • With the arrival of cold temperatures, it would be good to go back to wearing the health shirt: although it may seem a useless and unfashionable habit, the classic cotton tank top is a great way to isolate the body from the cold, protecting the stomach. , back and lumbar area, among the most delicate and exposed parts.
  • Considering that one of the main causes of the onset of seasonal ailments is represented by the violent changes in temperature to which one is subjected continuously, dressing "onion" is always a winning strategic move. to the temperatures of the interiors in which it stops, avoiding to suffer from excessive heat and then suffer the violent shock with the harsh cold of the outside.
  • Choose shoes with soles that act as insulators. Do not underestimate the importance of having footwear suitable for the winter season: having warm feet allows you to feel less of the sensation of cold throughout the body.
  • Try to avoid staying too long near windows, especially if they have drafts, which often cause neck, cervical and back pain; in these cases try to block them with the use of bearings or insulating tapes.
  • If you do outdoor sports, make sure you show off the right technical clothing.
  • Remember not to go out or go to bed with wet hair: in these cases a stiff neck or neck would be a guarantee.
  • When you do some physical activity indoors, remember not to go out into the open air still sweaty or not completely dry: especially cover the neck and head, otherwise you will experience the jump and you will be subject to stretching and contractions.
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How to deal with muscle strains and cold contractures: thermotherapy and other remedies

However, if the cold causes you to contractures and muscle tension of various kinds, you can resort to simple methods that can reduce the discomfort and facilitate the relaxation of the muscles. Thermotherapy, which exploits the use of heat for therapeutic purposes, is one of these. The heat, in fact, by increasing the blood flow at the point of application, and consequently the supply of oxygen to the tissues, helps to reduce joint stiffness or muscle spasm, providing pain relief One of the most frequent uses of thermotherapy is represented for example by self-heating patches or bands that act directly on the part affected by the pain.

There are other remedies that can help you in these cases, from various relaxation techniques - including massages, yoga and pilates, all perfect methods for muscle relaxation - to relaxing baths with baking soda or ointments based on arnica, cayenne pepper or other herbs with revulsive or anti-inflammatory properties.
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In general, however, remember that it is not only the cold that has an impact on the body and causes muscle inflammation and various contractures; stress also plays a fundamental role, which causes psychosomatic tensions and strains. In fact, it often happens that the problem physical and psychological in origin: in these cases it is necessary to recover a bit of serenity and ease the tension. Like? With the methods you prefer and that are most congenial to you: dedicate yourself to your favorite pastimes, organize outings with your closest friends, practice sports or relaxation techniques such as yoga; in short, create moments for yourself that allow you to completely disconnect from the routine and daily obligations and recharge yourself. One of the most common mistakes is underestimating the power of stress and the repercussions it has on our body and quality of life.