The sudden appearance of cooler evenings and brightly colored leaves on the ground tells us one thing: fall is here. And although there are plenty of great things to get excited about – from cute fall fashion to cozy evenings curled up with a movie and a hot chocolate – the transition between the seasons often leaves us feeling a little run down and in need of a boost. Colder temperatures, less daylight, and shorter days can all combine to make us feel low energy. So it’s important to tune in to your body and, make some time for self-care. Assess the habits you’ve slipped into over the summer and make a plan that will help you to take better care of your health, increase your immune system, and gain body confidence into the bargain. Fall has never looked so bright!
Nourish Your Body By Eating Seasonally
As the seasons alter, our bodies require different nutrients and minerals to adapt, so it’s important to pack your diet with healthy, warming seasonal produce in order to support your wellbeing. Homemade soups concocted with organic, in-season vegetables such as butternut squash, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and all manner of root vegetables. Throw in some spices such as ginger or turmeric, which is shown to reduce inflammation in the body.
Add Some Supplements
Although most of your vitamin intake should come through fresh foods, it can also help to include a range of supplements in your diet. Adding things such as Vitamin D, which can decrease in the body during the colder months but which is vital for fighting infections, or probiotics which help to balance the gut microbiome and enhance health, are a great place to start. You can also consider a powdered super greens supplement that can help you reach your five a day easily. Lots of supplements are available in different formats, so do your research as to what would suit you best and understand the benefits of gummies versus pills and capsules.
Exercise Outdoors
One way to guarantee a great start to the day is to get outdoors. A dose of morning sunshine kickstarts the body, boosting dopamine in the brain and helping to adjust the Circadian Rhythm of the body, ensuring a more awake day and better rest at night too. If you can exercise outdoors with a fast walk or a run, or even a boot camp class, so much the better. Regular exercise is important for both physical and mental wellbeing, and this is a real bonus, especially if you are prone to SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) or related conditions. Being inactive is bad for our circulation and our immune systems too, so make a pact with yourself to get outside into nature and ger moving.
Prioritize Quality Sleep
Great rest is one of the building blocks for a healthy life and yet so many of us put up with substandard sleep. The rhythms of nature show us that we should slow down and sleep more at this time of year. If you struggle to drop off, try an aromatherapy diffuser or a lavender pillow spray, some chamomile tea, or a hot bath right before bed. You should also ban all electronic devices from your bedroom as they emit blue light which stops the body from producing melatonin, the hormone which sends us to sleep.
Give Yourself A Break
It’s important to fit time into your schedule when you can just relax and enjoy activities that make you feel more yourself. It could be stealing a few minutes in the morning to do an at-home yoga routine, or taking half an hour to sit down with a book or do something creative such as painting or crafting – whatever brings you joy. Never feel guilty about taking time for things like this. When you feel fulfilled and replenished, you’re much better at all of the other things crammed onto your to-do list.
Take Care Of Your Skin
Due to the fluctuation in temperatures, you may find your skin suffers as we come into fall, suddenly getting super-dry or inflamed and red. Take a little time to reassess your skin needs with the new season. This could mean switching from your regular moisturizer to one that contains super-hydrator Hyaluronic Acid or even a facial oil. Or it could mean focusing on calming products that reduce rosacea, such as a niacinamide serum or a rosewater toner. It’s also still important to wear a high factor sunscreen on a daily basis. Even if it’s cloudy outside, damaging UVA and UVB rays can get through.