Staying healthy through the fall
In case you haven’t noticed, it is getting colder outside! Rainy days are an everyday thing now, we are getting less sunlight through the day and most of us are also getting up when it is still dark outside! You have recognized the Fall weather, our dear Autumn season. Whether you are someone who has been waiting for Autumn the whole year and is very excited about this change in weather, or you are someone who would rather skip straight to Spring, we all need to take care of ourselves during this changing season. The body and the mind both need some compassion and some care during this rainy season so here are a few tips to stay physically and mentally healthy while you wait for Christmas!
- Here is an obvious one: exercise! You may feel like your motivation has gone down because staying warm under the blankets is way more tempting than getting a sweat in! However, staying active through the Fall season is really important for your health and immune system. It also helps your mental health and brings your energy level up. So, move that body of yours!
- This second goes hand in hand with exercising; eat healthy. Try to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables of season. Now is the perfect time to make yummy vegetable soups which will help you stay warm. Even if you are not thirsty because you don’t get hot anymore, make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day, so you don’t show up to your F2BH session dehydrated!
- Get your daily dose of Vitamin D! We do not get enough vitamin D through the sun here in Vancouver during the Fall/Winter months because of the permanent rain. Since vitamin D is almost nonexistent through diet, it is a good idea to take supplements to boost your immune system and avoid seasonal depression. You can find vitamin D over the counter, but make sure you talk to your doctor about it if you are already taking other supplements.
- Make sure to stay warm and dry this season so you reduce your risk of getting sick. Nothing is worse than commuting to work and spending the rest of the day with wet feet and feeling cold to the bones! Resting properly is going to play a big role for your health as well. Sometimes, pushing through is more detrimental than resting up, and if you feel exhausted, the best guess is that you did not get enough sleep for the past few days. Your body is asking you to rest! There is nothing wrong with taking it easy for a couple days and making sure you get plenty of sleep! We all need a healthy balance! Make sure you let your trainer know if you are feeling exhausted and under the weather, they can always adjust the session according to your needs!
- Taking care of your mind is as important as taking care of your body. Make sure you spend some time doing things that you enjoy, whether it is watching a tv show wrapped up in your favorite blanket sipping on hot chocolate or going on a walk and enjoying the colors that Fall has to offer. Take some time to socialize as well, so you don’t end up feeling isolated. Stay close to your family and friends and catch up with people you love on a regular basis.
Finally, just remember to take care of yourself! Nobody likes to feel sick and having to stay in bed all day because you got the miserable flu. But this is preventable! You are less likely to get sick if you follow these above tips and take care of yourself. So, make sure to exercise, eat healthy and listen to your body when it is asking for rest.