Photo by David Bartus from Pexels
Goodbye summer and hello fall! Autumn is right around the corner, which means putting away our swimsuits, sandals, and shorts and replacing them with cozy knit sweaters, scarves, and leggings. But, that also means an array of warm, comforting food, stuffy noses, and a lot of time indoors, which isn’t always great for your health. As we prepare to welcome back pumpkin spice lattes, shorter days, and chilly air, use the five tips below to help you have a healthy fall.
Spend Time Outdoors
As much as we would like to stay cooped up indoors, it’s important to get some fresh air. Spending time outdoors can significantly improve your mood and health during the crisp autumn months. In fact, you can increase your Vitamin D levels just by being outside, which provides several health benefits. This includes:
- Helps maintain healthy bones and teeth
- Protects against illnesses like the flu
- Promotes better cardiovascular health
You can enjoy the outdoors simply by walking around in your backyard or sitting on your balcony. As you venture off into the great outdoors, make sure to put on sunscreen and continue to protect yourself from the sun. While the sun’s rays may not be as potent in the fall, they can still damage your skin.
Move More
It’s tempting to stay indoors, cozy up on the couch, and stay there all day when fall rolls around. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends you get a minimum of 150 minutes of physical exercise per week, or 30 minutes 5 days a week.
So, get your women’s activewear ready and start moving. From running to yoga, there are several activities you can pursue to get your blood pumping. Here are a few fun fall ideas to help you stay active:
- Walk around the pumpkin patch
- Visit a corn maze
- Go apple picking
Not only will this keep you moving, but it can also reduce the impact Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has on your wellbeing.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is vital regardless of the season. Despite this, many find themselves not hydrating enough in the fall. This is due to the weather being much cooler and people not spending as much time outside participating in sports or other physical activities.
However, dehydration in the fall remains a possibility because of how dry the air is during this time. Ensure you’re hydrated in the chillier months by keeping a reusable water bottle with you, drinking warm tea, eating soups and broths, and enjoying fruits and veggies with high water content.
Boost Your Immune System
With the flu and cold season around the corner, prepare to boost your immune system so you don’t have to spend the season curled up in bed. Here are a few simple things you can do to strengthen your immune system during autumn:
- Take vitamins, such as vitamin C, for extra support
- Get the flu shot
- Wash your hands correctly
- Eat nutritious food
- Relax and control your stress
If you happen to get sick, make sure to stay home from work or school to prevent spreading your illness around. It’s also a good idea to get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, communicate with your doctor, and seek medical attention when necessary.
Prepare for Daylight Savings Time
Daylight savings time often catches people off guard, causing a myriad of side effects, such as:
- Lack of sleep
- Hormonal imbalance
- Rise in traffic accidents
- Increased chances of a heart attack or stroke
To prevent the side effects mentioned, start developing healthy sleeping habits a few weeks before daylight savings time. This includes things like going to sleep early, turning off electronics an hour before bedtime, not eating anything too heavy right before bed, and getting enough sleep. Consider prioritizing your z’s and practicing proper sleep hygiene even after your body has acclimated to the time change.
The changing of the seasons is the perfect time to fall into new habits and create a healthy routine fit for your lifestyle. Use the tips above to help you get started this autumn.