Do changing seasons affect inflammatory arthritis?

As autumn turns to winter, Debbie and Katy chat about the ups and downs of seasonal change, the darker mornings, aching joints, and staying motivated when it’s cold outside.

They share personal stories, warmth hacks, and practical tips for managing energy, mood, and inflammation through the colder months all with their usual humour and honesty.

Topics Covered

• Seasonal changes & mood: Why darker days can make us sluggish and how to boost your energy and mindset.

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Recognizing symptoms and easy lifestyle tips to help combat the “winter blues.”

• Keeping warm:

  • The ultimate indoor washing setup (dehumidifier + fan + heating)

  • Fleece-lined trousers, heat packs, and hand warmers

• Joint pain & cold weather: Are aching joints in winter real or psychological? Debbie and Katy discuss their experiences.

• Motivation & movement:

  • Scheduling exercise to beat the “it’s too cold” excuse

  • Indoor exercise options (from Pilates YouTube videos to bean-can workouts)

  • How to make movement fit your day and your mood

• Staying cozy:

  • Hot water bottles, electric blankets, and recliner sofas

  • Katy’s love of her dry robe (even if she’s not a wild swimmer!)

  • Comfort foods and slow-cooker meals — soup, shepherd’s pie, and warm lunches

• Self-compassion: Letting go of guilt for not meeting unrealistic exercise targets. Listen to your body — and rest when you need to.

Key Takeaways

• ✅ Something is better than nothing. Small bursts of movement can make a big difference.✅ Daylight matters. Try to get outside during daylight hours, even for 10 minutes.✅ Warmth = comfort. Invest in items that make winter more bearable, from gloves to cozy blankets.✅ No guilt zone. Don’t feel bad for slowing down; winter is a time for rest and reset.✅ Community helps. Exercising with others keeps you motivated and connected.

• Links:

  ⁠Hand warmers⁠

  ⁠Coat ⁠

  
  

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“Just listen to your body. If you want to wrap up in a blanket and watch a film - do it. There’s nothing wrong with cozy.” Debbie

Disclaimer: Debbie and Katy are not medicalprofessionals. They share personal experiences of living with IA to build connection and community. The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.

· Formore information, head to ⁠https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/⁠