Back to Routine? Why Your Body Notices the Difference
Have you ever noticed that your body seems to ache more when life returns to normal?
After a summer holiday, a long weekend or even a few days off work, many people find themselves feeling stiff, sore or unusually tired.
It can seem strange.
Surely you've just had a break?
In reality, your body is adapting to a completely different routine.
Your Body Loves Routine
Whether you're sitting at a desk, walking the dog every morning or going to the gym three evenings a week, your body becomes surprisingly good at adapting to what you ask of it.
That's one of the amazing things about the human body.
It constantly adapts to the demands placed upon it.
The problem comes when those demands suddenly change.
Small Changes Soon Add Up
Returning to work often means:
Sitting for longer.
Spending more time in the car.
Carrying bags and laptops again.
Less opportunity to move during the day.
Earlier mornings and less sleep.
More stress and mental fatigue.
None of these things are particularly harmful on their own.
But together, they represent a significant change in load.
Holidays Can Change Things Too
Sometimes holidays mean you're far more active than usual.
Long walks.
Swimming.
Exploring new places.
Carrying suitcases.
Sleeping in unfamiliar beds.
Other times it's the complete opposite.
More time relaxing.
Long journeys.
More sitting.
A few extra treats.
Less exercise than normal.
Neither is right or wrong.
They're simply different to your everyday routine.
Your Body Is Just Adapting
One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming that a few aches mean they've done some damage.
More often than not, your body is simply responding to a change in demand.
Just like your muscles ache after trying a new exercise, they can also complain when you suddenly ask them to return to an old routine.
Usually, a little movement, consistency and giving your body a few days to adapt is all that's needed.
When Should You Get It Checked?
If your symptoms:
Continue getting worse.
Don't begin to settle.
Keep returning whenever your routine changes.
Stop you enjoying everyday life.
…it may be worth having them assessed.
Understanding why your body is struggling to adapt often helps prevent the same problem happening again.
The Bottom Line
Your body is incredibly adaptable.
It responds to what you ask of it every single day.
Sometimes it just needs a little time to catch up when life changes.
The aim isn't to avoid change.
It's to help your body adapt to it.
"Your body adapts to the routine you give it. Change the routine, and it simply needs time to adapt again."
If returning to work or getting back into your normal routine has left you feeling more sore than expected, we'd be happy to help.
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