How to keep healthy in autumn

You’ve noticed there are more leaves on the ground, it’s feeling a bit cooler and you’re thinking about getting a new winter coat… but have you thought about the adaptations we need to make to keep our bodies and minds healthy in autumn?

It’s good to start by seeing the autumn season as a new beginning. A good spring (autumn) clean, a wardrobe clear out or a little rearrangement of the furniture are easy ways to introduce the feeling of a fresh start. It's a great time to establish a new routine, and here's some things you can do to make sure you're keeping healthy this autumn season:

Practise good skin care

Our skin finds it difficult to adapt to the change in weather and temperature at this time of year. It’s important that we take extra care when it comes to our skin. Make sure you continue to moisturise the skin on your body and face. Harsh temperatures can cause unwanted dryness, so it’s important to keep your skin hydrated. Not only do we need to keep our skin hydrated during the autumn season, but we need to continue to apply sun cream. I know what you’re thinking… sun cream in October? Even though we don’t see the sun as much, UV rays are still present and it’s essential that we protect our skin. 

Make sure you're getting enough Vitamin D 

The lack of sunlight means we’re not going to be getting the right amount of vitamin D. There has been research in recent years which demonstrates the link between vitamin D deficiency and an increased vulnerability to infection. If you want to avoid that pesky winter cold and maintain wellness, it’s vital that you’re giving your body what it needs to fight infection. 

There are a small number of foods which contain Vitamin D such as; oily fish, red meat, egg yolks and fortified foods (some fat spreads and breakfast cereals). However, it can be difficult for a lot of us to get enough vitamin D through diet alone. That’s why vitamin supplements can be really useful at this time of year. TEA+ Vitamin D has 10mg of vitamin D3 which is the recommended daily intake level for an adult according to the UK department of health. TEA+ Vitamin D is an easy way to incorporate vitamin D into your new routine. 

Eat seasonal and local produce

There are many reasons why you should eat seasonal produce. It’s cheaper, tastes nicer and most importantly it’s HEALTHIER. 

Vegetables like beetroot, celery, leeks, swede and turnips are seasonal during the month of October. These types of vegetables are available seasonally and therefore, available locally in the UK at the right time of year. Fruit and vegetables that we are able to source locally are fresher and more nutritious than those that have to make a long journey to get here. 

Try to keep active 

It can be difficult to stay active when the days get shorter and the temperature drops but it’s important to keep active in as many ways as possible- even when it’s tempting to cuddle up on the sofa.

If you’re working from home, it is a good idea to go for a walk on your lunch break- that way you’re catching a little bit of daylight and getting a sufficient breather from your working day. If you travel to work, is there a part of your journey that you could squeeze a walk in? Maybe walk to the next bus stop or get off a stop early on your way there. Perhaps, you could ditch the car all together and cycle instead? If you have a busy schedule it's important to establish the easy ways you can slot in some exercise to your daily routine. 

Arrange some plans with friends and family

Not only is it important to keep your body moving, but your mind too. Try to plan some activities with friends so that you’re staying social. It’s easy to become isolated as we progress out of the summer season. Take the opportunity to make a few plans with friends and family for the weeks ahead and give yourself something to look forward to. 

Take up a relaxing hobby

Now, whilst it is important to continue to stay active, it’s also important to take rest where you need it. Activities like reading are great for switching off and exercising the mind in a different way. If you read all the books you own over lockdown, then why not organise a book swap with a friend. It’s a great way to discover and read new books without buying new ones. Alternatively head down to your local charity shop, where you’ll find plenty of pre-loved books.