Written by Danielle Good, Learning & Development Specialist - Health & Wellness Lead

The changing leaves, a crisp breeze, and the smell of pumpkin spice wafting through the air can only mean one thing: Fall is in full swing. Fall is a time we naturally slow down and shift our routines after the hustle and bustle of summertime. This transitional time provides a great opportunity to focus on your wellness and re-establish healthy habits. To help inspire a fall that’s as vibrant as the colors, we’ve compiled some Autumn Wellness tips to help you feel your best during this time.

Recharge with Sleep

As we move into cooler weather and slow our pace, getting good quality sleep is important for your health. As you sleep, your body goes into restoration mode to replenish your energy, strengthen your immune system, and support your mood. If you’re having trouble getting good sleep, make it a point to relax before bed without electronics. Aim to get between 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

Boost Your Immune System

Autumn is the season for colds and flu. To help boost your immune system, try incorporating immune-boosting foods like garlic, ginger, and turmeric into your diet. Be sure to take practical steps like washing your hands often and keeping current with recommended vaccines to help fight off infections before they take hold in your body. Regular exercise and minimizing stress as much as possible also do wonders for our health.

Nourishment

With Fall being a time we naturally start to slow down, we can hopefully create more time to nourish ourselves properly. Focus on fresh foods that are in season like squash, root veggies, dark greens, healthy fats, spices, and soups. Choose more whole foods and seasonal produce to support brain power and your immune system. Getting in more vitamin C is always helpful this time of year to fill in the gaps in your diet and prevent seasonal sickness. Drink more teas for warmth, hydration, an immune boost, and to bring more calm into every day.

Hydrate Regularly

When the temperatures drop, you're less likely to drink water. But staying hydrated is still important! In fact, your body can still lose the same amount of fluid as it does during the summer. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

That goes for your skin, too. Moisturize day and night to prevent overly dry or chapped skin during the fall season.

Schedule Your Check-Ups

No one wants to take time out of the summer to schedule doctors’ appointments, never mind go to them! So, one great way to ensure you’re making your health and wellness a priority is by seeing your doctor for your yearly exam. Use this slower time to schedule a routine checkup. This is also a convenient time to get any vaccines you need to stay healthy all year long.

Exercise

Stay motivated by switching up your current exercise routine or activity. Fall is a great time of year for outdoor activities because the heat and humidity are usually behind us, making it more comfortable to exercise outside. Consider signing up for a late fall 5k, check out a local bike path, or go for a hike and take in the beautiful changing colors of the leaves.

Look for local fall related activities you can do together as a family. Try apple picking, get lost in a corn maze, rake the leaves, or stroll through a local farmers market. Take advantage of outdoor time to boost your mood and keep you motivated.

Embrace the Slow

When you’re not doing something active, remember to enjoy the slower pace of the autumn and winter months. Take time to sit quietly, read a book, watch your favorite movies, or have a game night. Families can bond over enjoying a fire at night, watching football together, and even cooking a fall meal and eating together at the table.

Try to implement one or two of these tips at a time to help you and your family enjoy what the fall season brings this year!