Chill air, color-changing leaves, and a scenic atmosphere, Fall is the season in which we love to hang out. Apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, Brussel sprouts; the variety of food available is endless.
Moreover, your food cravings are also high during the dull. As the pests and insects seem to vanish with the summer season, people begin camping and traveling. It is also the time of the year to view your favorite sports matches, be it football, baseball, or basketball.
The entire world seems to be enjoying it, but it is also when germs and allergens begin to show up. Below we give tips for being healthier and happier this Fall.
Eat Seasonal food
Fall is not about pumpkins and apples alone. It is the time of the year when a variety of vegetables and fruits appear in the markets. You get fresh Brussels sprouts, butternut, cranberries, carrots, turnips, beets, etc.
Including fresh produce in the daily menu is the best way to boost your immunity. Also, it is advisable to increase the quantity of fibrous food like oats, flaxseed, and leafy greens. It is necessary as digestion could slow down during the chill weather.
Eat moderately
Holidays, sports matches, and festivities are excellent reasons for a wide girth. You might tend to guzzle beer and binge on junk snacks.
Moreover, Halloween implies more candies at home, and it is also the time of the year to showcase your baking skills. Amidst all the fun, one could intake more calories unknowingly. Allocating mealtimes and eating together with family members or friends will help you have a small portion of all items.
In this way, you could keep a tab on the quantity of food and have a balanced diet too.
Get out and exercise
When summer ends, it is time to wrap the beach parties. Though rains are more frequent in the Fall season, it does not imply you stay indoors. The holidays are for going out and exploring the world.
You also get your essential vitamin D. A walk outside is refreshing and relaxing. You could continue outdoor exercises till the winter sets. But it is also a time to start indoor gym activity so that you follow the exercise routine in winter months too.
Fall is the best time to bulk up and gain some muscle mass.
Maintain a routine
In this season, days become shorter than nights. Long periods of darkness should not imply more time for sleeping. Maintaining a regular bedtime and sleeping for a minimum of 6-7 hours is necessary for a healthy body and mind.
People love to sit by the fire and binge-watch movies or online series. But one has to stay active during the day and take up activities like gardening, cleaning, and preparing for the winter.
Keep warmer clothes ready
You would happily put all the sleeveless tops and cotton shorts away. You could wear different fabrics like thick cotton to soft wool depending on the weather outside. It is also the time to experiment with your fashion and style.
It is advisable to layer up slightly to withstand the chill breeze and prevent catching a cold. Keep gloves, scarves, socks, gloves, raincoats, and boots ready. Similarly, you should also check your heating systems and flashlights.
Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining good health and well-being. Our bodies need sleep to recharge, recover, and perform at their best. However, many people struggle with getting the recommended amount of sleep each night due to busy schedules, stress, and other distractions.
Lack of sleep can have serious consequences for physical and mental health. It can lead to decreased alertness and focus decreased immune function, and an increased risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. It can also affect mental health, causing irritability, anxiety, and depression.
To get enough sleep, it’s important to establish good sleep habits. Here are a few tips:
Stick to a consistent sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
Create a sleep-conducive environment: Make your bedroom quiet, dark, and cool. Reduce noise, light, and screen time before bed.
Limit caffeine and alcohol: Avoid consuming these substances, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime.
Relax before bed: Read a book, listen to music, or practice meditation to help calm your mind and prepare for sleep.
Avoid screens: The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with sleep, so it’s best to avoid using them for at least an hour before bed.
Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help improve sleep quality, so aim to get 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
By following these tips and making sleep a priority, you can improve your physical and mental health and perform at your best each day.
Go for healthy snacks
In a chill climate, you might feel more hungry. You might get the habit of gobbling snacks now and then. It could be ready-to-eat stuff like fresh bakery products, crisps, cola, and candies.
Try going for healthy options like vegetable soup, steamed sweet potatoes, lean meat, etc. Do not stock up the Halloween treats or for Thanksgiving day. Buy or prepare them only when required.
Likewise, you could have the season’s favorite: pumpkin in the form of a pie, soup, or roast. But do not gulp in too much spicy pumpkin latte. It is creamy, sugary, and has a high-fat content.
Listen to your body
As the weather becomes chilly, you might start feeling lethargic and sleepy. You are less likely to socialize and could even feel low.
Therefore, we have the custom of going out, maybe in the woods or a hilltop, and witnessing the vivid colors of Fall. It is time for going on a detox vacation. Also, ensure to drink plenty of healthy liquids like water or fresh fruit juices.
Our body loses water similar to summer, but in cold weather, we may not notice it. Therefore, keep a tab on the water intake and apply moisturizer to prevent the skin’s dryness.
Get a health checkup
As the Fall arrives, you could realize that sniffling and sneezing are more common. But, remaining snuggled indoors does seem a good idea with the awe-inspiring weather outside.
Getting a flu shot and a master health checkup could prevent you from going through the trouble. Vaccination is a must for people in hospitals and community place like schools, libraries, shopping malls, etc.
Taking immunity-boosting food items like ginger, garlic, yogurt, citrus fruits, almonds, etc., is advisable.
Bathe twice
The best way to keep the germs away is to be clean and hygienic. The microbes tend to spread rampantly as the climate becomes cold. Washing hands frequently and sterilizing frequently touched substances become necessary
. A hot bath night would be relaxing and is also helpful in removing toxins from the body surface. You could add Epsom salts for a thorough cleaning. People tend to have a sound sleep at night too.
Stay socially connected
Staying socially connected is an important aspect of maintaining good health and well-being. In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, it can be easy to become disconnected from others and feel isolated. However, maintaining strong relationships with friends and family is crucial for overall happiness and health.
Studies have shown that social connections can have a positive impact on physical and mental health. For example, people with strong social support networks are less likely to experience depression and anxiety, and they have lower rates of chronic illnesses such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Social connections also provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, which can help boost overall happiness and satisfaction with life.
There are many ways to stay socially connected, even if you are busy or live far from your loved ones. Some simple strategies include:
- Regularly reaching out to friends and family members through phone calls, text messages, or video chats.
- Participating in social activities and events, such as volunteering, joining a club, or attending community events.
- Building relationships with people in your community, such as neighbors, coworkers, or classmates.
- Making time for hobbies and interests that bring you joy and allow you to connect with others who share your passions.
Staying socially connected can also help you feel more connected to the world around you and foster a sense of belonging. By taking steps to maintain strong relationships with others, you can improve your overall health and happiness, and enjoy a more fulfilling life.
In conclusion
Many of us tend to fall sick when season changes, be it winter to spring or summer to autumn. Infections are on the rise in chill and cold weather of winter months. Thus, making dietary changes are necessary to combat both cold and microbes.
You will have more food craving and could end up eating more. Join an online/offline gym or yoga session and be motivated to stay active and healthy.
