There’s no doubt that autumn is a wonderful time of year. The leaves are changing color, the air is getting cooler, and pumpkin spice lattes are back on the menu! But autumn can also be a challenging time for our health. The change in season can disrupt our routines and make us more susceptible to colds and flu. That’s why it’s important to take some extra steps to stay healthy this autumn.
To help ease the change, we’ve put together a couple of Fall Wellness Tips to get you ready for the colder months and keep both your mental and physical health in check.
Make healthy food choices
Eating lots of fruits and vegetables will help your body stay strong and fight off infection. Make sure to include plenty of Vitamin C-rich foods in your diet, such as oranges, broccoli, and kale. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks is also key to a healthy diet as well as a stronger immune system. Beware the temptation of indulging in too much Halloween candy this Spooky Season!
Be prepared for cold and flu season.
Once summer fades to fall and the kids head back to school, cold and flu season tends to ramp up. Washing your hands often and disinfecting surfaces in your home can help prevent the spread of illness. Some helpful ways to keep germs at bay include:
- Washing your hands regularly and often, especially before you eat or prepare food.
- Avoiding touching your face.
- Covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough.
- Staying up to date on your vaccinations.
- Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Getting enough exercise.
- Getting enough sleep.
Stay active
The transition to the shorter and busier days of fall along with the colder weather can make it challenging to stay active. That’s why it’s important to keep finding opportunities to spend time outdoors together as a family while getting your heart pumping!
Adults should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day, while children should get at least 60 minutes. Spending time outdoors can improve your mood and overall sense of well-being. Just be sure to dress appropriately and protect yourself from the weather.
Focus on your mental health
Whether it’s a change in the season, a shift in your life circumstances, or for a reason you can’t pinpoint, we all struggle with our mental health from time to time. Though it can be a lonely experience, knowing you have a community to support you and rely on is essential. Mental health differs for everyone, so it’s important to find what works best for you and stick with it. If you’re looking for ways to improve your emotional wellness, consider these options as a place to start:
- Find a hobby to help express yourself.
- Maintain an active lifestyle.
- Practice mindfulness through meditation or yoga.
- Get involved in community events and stay social with friends and family.
- Seek therapy or treatment if you feel you need support.
Drink plenty of water
As it gets colder, your body can lose as much fluid as it might in hot climates due to the high rates of energy used in colder climates. Due to heavier clothing, you can also sweat more. Drinking enough water will also keep your skin from getting too dry as the weather changes. Your water intake will also help keep your immunity strong during flu season!
