For millions of Americans across the country, the change from summer to fall can bring lots of excitement and joy. As the weather gets cooler, many of us look forward to getting our pumpkin-spiced treats and curling up on the couch with a nice blanket. The fall season is also filled with many memorable holidays that people enjoy participating in with their loved ones.
Although the fall season is full of fun activities, it can also bring about unwanted health challenges that come with the changing weather. Seasonal shifts and changes to our regular routines can impact our bodies in ways that we might not anticipate ahead of time. Thankfully, there are steps that all of us can take to ensure we are able to enjoy the fall season in good health.
So what kind of healthy habits can we adopt during the fall season to maintain our well-being and ensure we’re able to fully participate in all the festivities? Keep reading to learn more!
Protecting Ourselves from Cold & Flu Season
Cold and flu season generally occurs during the fall and winter months here in the United States. Every year, millions of Americans fall sick and experience common symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose, fever, and cough. Keep your immune system strong by staying hydrated and eating nutrient-rich foods.
To avoid falling ill, it’s a good idea to take some precautions and protect yourself from the flu. Getting the flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and prevent serious complications. Vaccination is particularly important for the elderly, young children, pregnant people, and those with chronic medical conditions.
Washing your hands regularly can also help prevent the flu and other infections. Make sure to take your time when washing up, and be sure to use both soap and water. In addition to these steps, social distancing and mask-wearing can also help those looking to avoid the flu, especially in crowded places.
Embrace Pumpkins
Although pumpkin-flavored desserts and drinks can be delicious treats, pumpkins themselves are also delicious and healthy fall foods. They are full of important vitamins such as vitamins A, E, and C and also provide great nutrients such as potassium and fiber. Pumpkin seeds can be easily added to dishes and are excellent sources of protein, magnesium, and fiber.
Spend Time Outdoors
It might be tempting to stay indoors and create lots of cozy moments, but it is also important to spend some time outdoors during the fall season. Doing so can help boost your mood and keep your immune system nice and strong. Getting some sun exposure can be beneficial for your vitamin D levels and make it easier for your body to prevent infections. So plan a hike by yourself or with some friends, or just go for a daily walk to make sure you’re getting outside on a regular basis.
Stock Up on Healthy Snacks
Spending more time indoors generally makes people want to eat more often. For many of us, it can be tempting to load up on lots of unhealthy snacks to satisfy our taste buds. This is especially true on holidays or during sports events. Fortunately, there are alternatives to unhealthy snacks that we can purchase at the grocery store. Try out some nutrient-dense snacks such as veggies with dips, your favorite fruits, or healthy trail mixes. Doing so can help prevent unwanted weight gain throughout the fall and winter months.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are definitely some easy ways in which the fall season can boost our health. Make sure to get outdoors and take in nature whenever possible. Purchase some healthy snacks for yourself so you don’t binge eat on processed foods when you get hungry at home. Most importantly, make sure to get your flu shot and take precautions to protect yourself during cold and flu season.
