Stiffness is often a protective signal from your body. When you are still for a while, especially with poor posture or low muscle engagement, your brain starts to guard the area.

• It may send out stiffness or tightness as a way to prepare for movement.
• The longer you stay still, the louder the signal can get.
• This can make the first few steps or stretches feel harder than they really are.

Again, this is not because you are fragile. It is because your system is trying to help. It just might be overdoing it.

So what can you do about it?

Move a little, often

You do not need a full routine. Just shift positions regularly.

• Stand up every 30 to 60 minutes.
• Do shoulder rolls, ankle circles or gentle stretches at your desk.
• Walk a few steps during phone calls or while waiting for the kettle.

Change the story your body is hearing

Every time you move without harm, you are reminding your system that movement is safe.

• That is nervous system retraining in action.
• It is not about big workouts. It is about safe, repeatable signals.
• Over time, this helps reduce the “need” for the body to guard against pain or stiffness.

Be kind to yourself when stiffness shows up

It does not mean you are doing something wrong. It just means your system is still learning.

• Give yourself time to warm up.
• Let movement be gradual, not rushed.
• Trust that with repetition, your body will get the message.

You are not stuck, just still

If sitting still stirs up your pain, it is not because your body is broken. It is because your system needs more variety, more gentle motion and more safety signals.

Even small movements, done consistently, can ease that cycle of stillness and stiffness. You do not have to do more. You just have to do enough.

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