Now that we’re approaching the fall season, have you noticed you are beginning to experience more joint pain and body aches than usual? Many people report feeling this way, and it’s not a coincidence. As the weather changes, so will barometric pressure, which can lead to the common, unwanted discomfort you’re experiencing. So, what can you do to prevent it or lessen its impact on you so you can enjoy your way of life, even when it gets colder? Check out this list of simple changes you can make to your daily routine to experience a significant difference.

Participate in Less Strenuous Activities

Because you’re dealing with aching joints, it’s the perfect time to start participating in less strenuous activities. You may say, “Wouldn’t physical activity worsen the pain?” But that’s not the case. Instead, the right actions can relieve discomfort, improve flexibility, and help you relax.

Stretching

It’s always beneficial to start with stretching. You can complete simple stretches, such as sitting on the floor while pointing your legs forward and touching your toes or standing on one leg while bending the knee of the other and pulling that leg up behind you. Little stretches can help you get much-needed relief and prepare you for any activities you plan to partake in to keep yourself busy and entertained.

Walking

Start taking daily walks to exercise and reduce joint pain. While it’s an effective activity for combating seasonal joint and body discomfort, it’s also low-impact, so you don’t have to force yourself to do anything too strenuous or complicated. It’s also the kind of activity you can do whenever you want, whether you like walking first thing in the morning or after eating dinner with the family.

Swimming

Another great exercise to help you combat seasonal joint pain, swimming can ease your aching body and improve your range of motion. While some may think of swimming as a summer exercise, you can do it all year ’round if you go to your local YMCA or another recreation center with an indoor pool.

Stretching, walking, and swimming aren’t as brutal as demanding workout regimens, yet they still help with joint discomfort. You can add other light activities to the list that you enjoy, such as gardening, walking on a treadmill instead of running, or doing yoga.

Watch What You Put on Your Plate

While staying active can help you combat seasonal joint discomfort, the foods you consume can also lessen the severity of your pain. Consider the foods you currently eat each day and decide whether you could potentially make some adjustments that are much better for your health. It’s best to add anti-inflammatory foods to each meal, such as fresh blueberries, salmon, raspberries, tuna, and broccoli. Go for foods rich in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. Changing your eating habits for the better makes reducing and preventing pain much more manageable.

Many people notice a change in how they feel as the seasons shift. If the cooler weather makes you feel a lot more pain than usual, focus on staying active with low-impact exercises and add anti-inflammatory foods to every meal. Such simple changes can help you feel the difference firsthand.