Fall is a season of changes, and most people turn inward as the winds pick up and the air chills. Health takes the backseat.
Who wants to turn down peppermint chocolate chip cookies and pumpkin spice lattes? Who wants to work that off by running in the cold air? No thanks.
Then comes the holidays and as winter wanes, you stress over working out and eating right before summer returns. Maintain your health routine and be willing to make some changes to be your healthiest self this season:
Eat Seasonally, More Healthily
People always say that eating seasonally is healthy for you, but it’s easier to remember when fall comes. Reconsider your position on liberally sugar-coating your sweet potatoes and adding the entire spice container of cinnamon.
Focus on eating healthy seasonal fall super foods, such as apples, cauliflower and parsnips. Eat hearty soups, stews and casseroles or vegetarian fall tacos. Soak your black beans, and chop and roast those potatoes. Add turmeric and garlic to your recipes for flavor and digestive aid.
Lock Down Your Daily Routine
Daylight Savings Time is coming for you on November 5. Lock down your daily routine now.
When you wake up, drink a tall glass of water before you turn on the coffee pot. Commit to your yoga routine, or read a chapter of a book. When are you doing errands? What about me time outside of your career? Lock it down!
Establish and Maintain a Sleep Routine
Establishing a consistent sleep routine is important to regulating your immune system and maintaining your health. There are 40 million Americans living with a chronic sleep disorder, and 30 percent of U.S. citizens report experiencing a sleep disturbance over the course of the year. These disturbances affect sinus allergies, chronic pain, asthma and other conditions.
Wake up and go to bed at the same times, even on weekends. As long as you have a consistent schedule, your internal clock will adjust and your sleep quality will improve. Be aware of what you’re eating and avoid a large meal before bed as well as nicotine, caffeine or a nightcap.
Move Around Indoors
In the fall, you understandably want to sit in a coffee shop or on your couch and drink your cup of joe in the peace and warmth. Early rise for an early run? Not happening.
So, move around indoors, lazy bones! Remember that strength training prevents bone loss and increases bone mass, and many exercises are possible indoors with free weights. Don’t get stuck sitting around. Get up and move around indoors, even if that’s having a silly dance party in your pajamas.
Fall is a season of change, and it’s natural to want to cuddle up in your pajamas with your coffee and forget the world. Why not sleep late on Saturdays, stay warm and drink your pumpkin spice latte?
Stay healthy this fall by eating seasonally, maintaining a daily routine and sleep schedule and moving around indoors. You’ll keep your energy up and be awake earlier to enjoy the leaves turn scarlet and gold.
