With seasonal changes comes changing health needs, as these changes can definitely affect your body, including basic vital signs. In the winter, your blood vessels can constrict, resulting in higher blood pressure. In the summer, your heart rate can increase due to the heat, and you can lose more water, resulting in dehydration.
Fall is a good time to start fresh and establish new healthy habits before the winter months. In the cooler weather, it’s nice to be able to enjoy the outdoors a little more and get in some cardio with a simple walk.
Eat seasonal produce like apples, squash, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens to boost your intake of vitamins and fiber. And to boost your Vitamin D, spend 5 to 10 minutes outdoors when possible, or talk to your doctor about a daily Vitamin D supplement to support your mood and immunity.
Always prioritize sleep and try to get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night to help your body repair and fight off seasonal germs, as lack of sleep weakens the immune system and makes it harder to fight off infections. As the daylight hours become shorter, stay connected with friends and family to lift your mood during shorter, darker days.
The cold weather and the lack of sunlight can make you less active and result in changes in mood. The upside is that you don’t necessarily have to be outside to stay active. With hundreds of free options on YouTube there are yoga, stretching, and Pilates workouts are available at your fingertips. They’re all good ways to stay flexible and maintain strength and mobility. Even walking in place while watching TV counts as walking. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water! Even though you may not feel as thirsty in the winter, the dry heat in homes can still cause you to become dehydrated.
As the seasons shift, so can our routines; and that’s an opportunity to reset, recharge, and give your body what it needs. A little movement, nourishing food, restorative sleep, and time with the people you love can go a long way toward feeling your best, whatever the season brings.