10 Autumn Wellness Tips to Keep You and Your Family Healthy This Fall

The fall season comes with shorter days, cooler temperatures, and fun seasonal activities. While there are many pros of autumn, the transition can also be a challenge. Fewer hours of daylight and changing weather can be hard on both physical and mental health for some people. With that in mind, we’ve compiled some Autumn Wellness tips to help you feel your best during this time.

1. Maintain Good Hygiene

Reduce the chances of getting colds or other sicknesses by:

• Washing your hands often to remove germs
• Wiping down doorknobs and any surfaces you touch often
• Boosting your immune system with healthy foods
• Drinking plenty of water
• Practicing social distancing

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), washing your hands is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick or spreading germs to others. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds, and remember to wash underneath your fingernails.

2. Start Adjusting Your Sleep Schedule

Autumn is when we say goodbye to Daylight Savings Time and turn the clocks back an hour. Prepare yourself for earlier evenings and shorter days by going to bed earlier before you have to change the clocks. Fewer hours of light can disrupt your circadian rhythm, but you can get your body used to it by planning for an earlier bedtime.

Try to keep your bedtime and wake times the same, and shoot for at least seven hours of sleep per night.

3. Keep It Fun While Staying Active

Early sundown and cooler temps make it easy to hibernate inside all season, but don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Staying busy can also help avoid “cabin fever” and the blues that some folks struggle with during shorter days.

Look for local fall-related activities to enjoy with family and friends. Rake the leaves outside. Shovel snow if you live somewhere with heavy snowfall. Get out for a walk in the crisp air.

4. 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 cooking a tasty fall meal and eating together at the table.

5. Stay Warm

Depending on where you live, you might need to bundle up more as autumn makes its debut. Wear layers to protect your body from the dropping temperatures and stay comfortable.

Don't forget about protecting your home, too. Make sure your heater is working, you have flashlights and candles in case of power outages, and your home is prepared for any upcoming inclement weather.

6. Cook Nutritious Fall Meals

Take advantage of in-season fall produce like apples, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, grapes, mangoes, mushrooms, onions, sweet potatoes, winter squash, and much more. Find simple, healthy fall recipes using immune-boosting whole foods.

7. Hydrate Regularly

You're less likely to drink water when the temperatures drop 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.

8. Get Your Checkups

Another autumn wellness tip is to see your doctor. Use this slower time to schedule a checkup for routine screenings to ensure you’re healthy all year long.

9. Remember Your Vitamin D

Our bodies make vitamin D from sun exposure, and many people get less sun this time of year. Vitamin D supplements can help support your immune health and mood.

10. Practice Self-Kindness

Finally, go easy on yourself. Autumn means seasonal activities and holidays are on the horizon. While this can be an exciting time, people also struggle with their mental health during the shorter days.

Be kind to yourself and remember to listen to your body. If you tend to have a lower mood during these times, consider getting a light therapy lamp and prioritizing your mental health.

We hope these autumn wellness tips will help you and your family enjoy what the fall season brings this year!