As summer comes to an end, many of us can feel sad as we look towards colder months – but before winter, we can still enjoy autumn! Falling leaves, jumpers and Halloween are just some key features of the autumn months but as the cold weather starts to set in, it’s important we keep our bodies and minds healthy.
We’ve put together some tops tips for keeping healthy and avoiding those dreaded pre-winter colds…
In autumn we lose sunshine as the days get shorter and the nights get longer. As this happens, we lose the opportunity to gain Vitamin D from sunshine – this lack of exposure can lead to a drop in mood and more chance of catching colds, getting headaches and muscle fatigue. One way of combatting the lack of sunshine in autumn is to take vitamin D supplements or by eating foods with high vitamin d content, like fish and cheese.
As the days get shorter – it can be harder to stay active. Don’t let the colder nights stop you from getting outside, there are still many ways you can keep active during the autumn period. Instead of a summer walk after work, head to a gym fitness class with friends. Another alternative is to try more indoor activities – like bowling or swimming. Getting off the sofa as the cold weather sets in can be difficult, but planning ahead can be one way of staying motivated.
Staying active is so important when it comes to staying healthy – no matter what age you are. Increased activity can help us avoid weight gain, a shortage of energy and heart disease.
As the colder weather becomes more apparent, it’s increasingly easy to stay inside the comfort of our homes and to become less active. Slipping into this habit won’t just have a negative effect on your physical health, but your mental health too. Autumn can be a refreshing time of year if executed with a positive attitude – it doesn’t have to be gloomy. Staying on top of your social life and making regular plans with friends is one way to avoid feeling isolated. Of course, everyone has busy lives, including work, hobbies and down time – so it’s important to discover a balance that works best for you.
Whatever the season change, the drastic day-to-day change in temperature takes a toll on our immune systems and makes us more vulnerable to dreaded pre-winter viruses. We’re always told to layer up in order to keep warm and avoid illnesses in winter, but which part of our bodies should we really be covering up? Research suggests that wearing a thick scarf over your nose when it’s chilly can significantly decrease your chances of catching cold or flu like symptoms – this is because the common cold virus replicates more easily when in cold air. Get purchasing your wooly winter scarf sooner rather than later!
It may not be spring, but autumn is the perfect season to get cleaning and pre-planning everything for the colder months to follow. Not only will cleaning your home remove lingering bacteria, preventing it from spreading, but it’s also great exercise – which is bound to improve your mood and physical health. A mess-free home is said to increase productivity levels and allows you to foster a sense of accomplishment.
It’s easy to think of the word ‘routine’ in a negative way – most people associate this word with restricting yourself, with no room for fun or free time; this doesn’t have to be the case, and for many people it isn’t. Following a fun routine allows you to feel a sense of achievement, also encouraging you to prevent procrastination and in turn completing tasks. Having an enjoyable routine in place can actually allow you more free-time in the long run. Create your autumn routine ahead of time - you’re bound to feel happier.
With all the implications the cold season brings, health insurance is a great consideration – this is not only as a back-up if you fall ill, but for any advice you require throughout the colder months. Here at the Health Insurance Specialists, we’re dedicated to finding you the best and most affordable health insurance cover. Our friendly team of experts are here to help you navigate quotes quickly & efficiently, not to mention we’re 100% independent. We don’t work for any providers – we’re a broker, so you are always our top priority.
We also have over 30+ years of industry experience and when we search for quotes, we search the whole of the UK market to find you the best options and deals. If you want help finding quotes or want to learn more about your options; fill in our online form or call us on 0808 10 18 999.
