Fall officially arrived a few days ago, but depending on where you live, it doesn’t exactly feel like sweater weather yet. Some mornings are crisp, others are warm enough you wonder if summer forgot to leave.
But here’s the thing: no matter what the thermometer says, the season shift has a sneaky way of showing up in our joints, muscles, and nerves. You might notice your body feels a little stiffer when you first wake up, like everything needs an extra minute to “boot up.”
And that’s normal. Especially if arthritis or just plain ol’ creaky joints are part of your daily life.
I’m the kind of guy who will tell you honestly: I’ve tried jumping straight out of bed in the mornings, no stretches, just trying to get on with my day. Within seconds, my lower back was yelling at me, before I even got down the stairs. Overnight, muscles tighten, joints stiffen, and nerves are a little grumpy — it’s like trying to start a car that’s been sitting in the cold. Two-minute routines saved my mornings — and my dignity.
The good news? You can give yourself a head start before your feet ever touch the floor. Here’s how I like to ease into the morning:
These simple moves take just a couple of minutes each — but they can loosen stiff joints, wake up sore muscles, and make mornings start a little easier.
Still lying down? Wriggle your toes, flex your ankles, and point and flex both feet a few times. It tells your joints and nerves the day is about to start.
Pull one knee toward your chest and hold, then switch. Loosens hips and lower back tension — especially helpful if you deal with sciatica.
Open and close your hands, rotate your wrists, and spread your fingers wide. You’ll notice the difference when you lift your first cup of coffee.
Instead of hopping out of bed, sit up slowly, breathe, and give your body a moment. You’ll stand steadier and feel less jolted.
Stretches are a great way to start the day, but if the stiffness still hangs around, I keep my Outback Pain Cream by the bed. A quick rub helps ease those sore spots before I even stand up. And if I’m headed out the door, the Outback Oil Roll-On is my go-to — it fits right in my pocket and makes staying comfortable a whole lot easier.
Shop Outback ReliefI’ll confess: there are mornings when I skip the stretches and I pay for it all day. Other mornings I do the two-minute routine and I feel like I’ve won small victories — climbed a set of stairs without grumbling, carried the groceries without making a face, or simply walked the dog without pretending my foot was a microphone stand.
Quick seasonal tip: Even if mornings still feel warm where you are, the cooler early hours (and occasional humidity drop) can make muscles tighten before you even stand up. Keep a lightweight throw or cardigan by the bed and wrap it around your shoulders while you do your first stretches — it helps your body loosen up more comfortably.
If you’re dealing with chronic conditions like arthritis, small consistent habits matter more than big heroic workouts. A few minutes every morning beats a one-hour push that leaves you wiped out.
Please cancel me from any further subscriptions
Mark from Outback
October 06, 2025
Hey there, Joseph — thanks for reaching out! You’re not on any subscription with us, so there’s nothing to cancel.
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