ERASES PAIN: A stair stretch

Being cooped up indoors all winter tamps down the brain’s release of painkilling hormones (endorphins), and 55% of us are feeling achy these days as a result. The good news: Research in the Journal of Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice suggests a deep, 60-second calf stretch can help you feel more limber and ache-free by signaling your brain to boost endorphin release. To do: Stand with the balls of your feet on a stair and your heels hanging over the edge, holding the handrail so you’re not wobbly. Drop your heels until you feel a strong, steady pull in your calves; hold for 1 minute.