If Instagram is anything to go by, autumn is well and truly here – colourful leaves, pumpkin spiced everything and cosy knits fill our social media feeds. However shorter days, colder temperatures and a craving for comfort food can have an impact on our health, which is why it’s so important to try and keep healthy at this time of year.
Working in association with Alive!, here are some of my top tips to make sure your body and mind stay happy, healthy and in tip-top condition for the coming season when it can be tempting to just stay inside and hibernate!
EAT SEASONALLY
Not only are fruit and vegetables in season richer in vitamins and minerals at their prime when harvested, they can taste better and there are likely to be some good deals on so keep an eye out next time you go food shopping. With our bodies craving warmer things, swap smoothies for porridge, salads for soups and cook up vegetable-packed stews to nourish the soul. With things like apples, pears and plums being in season right now, it would be a crime to not make a (healthy) crumble for pudding too!
BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY
Even if you eat a healthy diet, at this time of year colds can creep up on us so it might be worth taking a supplement like Alive! Immune Support Soft Jells to help combat any lurgies. Complete with a unique dried blend of 26 fruit and vegetables in a delicious berry flavour, these contain vitamins C, D and zinc which contribute to the normal function of the immune system.
What’s more, considering that Public Health England recommends we take a supplement of 10mcg of vitamin D during the autumn and winter months to combat the lack of sunshine, it’s good to know that these Immune Support Soft Jells are packed with the vitamin to support normal bones and teeth.
MIX UP YOUR WORKOUTS
Try a new class at your gym, explore a new running route, get out on your bike or do a home workout – keep fitness interesting and exciting to help stay motivated. Choose whatever fits into your lifestyle and have options for when it’s dry outside or cold and wet so there are no excuses!
GO OUTSIDE
Even though it can be tempting to stay in the warmth, try and spend 30 minutes outdoors, whatever the weather. Dig your winter coat out and wrap up warm and walk the dog or take the kids to school, get out on your lunchbreak or cycle around a park at the weekend – however you decide to get moving it will help to clear your head and burn off some energy.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN
The change from summer to autumn can have an impact on your skin so keep this in mind when it comes to your skincare routine. Use an exfoliating scrub a few times a week (I love this natural scrub from the Coffee Company), cleanse twice a day and slap on the moisturiser morning and night to keep your skin hydrated as the weather gets colder. Coconut oil is my go-to product for skin as well as in the kitchen!
KEEP HYDRATED
Drinking plenty is essential for keeping your body and skin in top condition, especially as it’s cold and flu season. If you don’t fancy drinking water have warm drinks but not too much tea and coffee as caffeine acts as a diuretic; instead, try herbal teas like peppermint, spiced ones, lemon and ginger or whatever floats your boat – there are so many out there to choose from!
MAKE TIME TO CHILL
Finally, an important one a happy mind is to spend time doing something you love that helps you to relax. Whether that’s meditation or cooking, having a soak in the bath, meeting a friend for a brew or reading a book in bed, taking a break from the busy world will leave you feeling refreshed and re-charged to tackle what life throws at you!
Alive Immune Support Soft Jells cost £14.99 (RRP) and are available from Tesco, Holland & Barrett and Boots or direct from Nature’s Way.