Here is a list of a dozen simple ways to be pro-active in taking care of yourself as the cooler seasonal weather approaches. Maintaining the overall condition of your health does not have to be difficult or break the bank. It always surprises me the number of people who care diligently for others while neglecting simple acts of care for themselves. Make sure you are not one of them. Be kind to yourself in the smallest of ways so the transitioning seasons will not catch you unaware and leave you out in the cold unprepared.
- Layer clothes for those transitional temperatures. Cooler temperatures in the morning while en route to work and school often call for warmer attire. These heavier items of clothing can easily become unbearably warm as the day progresses and it warms up outside. If you are able to remove a layer or two you will be more comfortable during the day. Those pieces will still be with you to put back on if the temperature starts dropping on the way home.
- Condition your hair every time you shampoo particularly on the ends where your natural oils may not reach. Deep condition at least once a week. Static electricity reigns in hat and scarf weather causing dry and flyaway hair. Another way to calm those fly-away moments is by using some hand lotion in your hands, rub them together to distribute the lotion evenly in your palms, and then on your hair. Smooth down the flyaway hairs by applying the lotion down into the ends where it will be absorbed better. Your hair will have a healthy sheen.
- Hydrating face masks will help replace moisture. Masks with collagen further protect delicate facial skin once those cool autumn winds pick up to prevent face chapping. Remember to moisturize clean skin in the morning before applying makeup and in the evening after removing it. Your skin will thank you.
- Wash your hair less using warm, not hot, water. Shampooing too often can remove vital natural oils, leaving your hair dry and vulnerable to breakage. Choose a shampoo that is gentle and well suited to your type of hair to nourish it.
- Begin taking a multivitamin in a gummy form. Many people have issues digesting vitamins in standard pill form rendering the benefits less effective. Gummy vitamins are easier to digest and therefore better absorbed by your body. Vitamins C and D are critical for maintaining good immune systems to help ward off common illnesses. Gummy vitamins are great!
- Choose to drink water over soda pop and sugary coffees to stay hydrated. Unsweetened carbonated water is less damaging to teeth and bones if you must have carbonation. Basic water is very beneficial to our bodies in numerous ways. Blood is ninety percent water. Kidneys need water to flush out impurities. Water is needed to digest our food properly. Water helps our body regulate its temperature. Water has zero calories which can help weight loss. Drinking an adequate amount of water can help to deter urinary tract infections. Dehydration is serious and adversely affects all these areas in our bodies and more. We tend to slow down our water consumption when the seasons turn cooler but our bodies still rely on and need a good amount in order to function properly.
- Drink hot herbal tea to help relieve that tickle in your throat from that annoying postnasal drip when the air turns cool and autumn pollen is present. Herbal teas like elderberry, echinacea, raspberry, and ginger can strengthen the immune system. That’s a huge benefit from a little cup of tea that can warm you up on a chilly day as well!
- Choose fresh fruit over sugary sweets. Fruits are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber that sugary treats cannot match. In addition to these facts, sugar is known to suppress your immune system. Sugar increases your chance of becoming ill. Seventy percent of our immune system is in our colon wall. Eating fresh fruits daily will help keep our digestive system working as it should. A sluggish colon makes for a sluggish immune system. Fresh fruit is the best sweet to eat for self-care.
- Apply Vitamin E or Coconut oil directly to your skin to keep it supple. In addition, apply lotions enriched with them. This will nourish and help keep your body’s skin protected from being painfully dry and itchy. Both oils are fragrance-free, easily absorbed, and have healing properties that are especially soothing so be sure to apply often. The best time is after a shower or bath to lock in that moisture.
- Turn off all electronics at least an hour before going to bed. Disengage your mind and emotions from all media drama to better utilize your evening. Take this time to prepare for the next day, or do a few simple chores to maximize productivity while reducing stress. You’ll sleep better and the morning will go more smoothly. Working out some glitches at night after dinner is done, the kids are in bed, and you are not pressed for time will help put you a step ahead.
- Hug your child, provided neither of you is sick. Spend time each day taking interest in your children’s world. Do something seasonably fun! Make it a point daily to let your child know they are loved by hugging. Hugs help lower stress by releasing oxytocin and serotonin the feel-good hormones. Hugs lower blood pressure for free. Your children won’t always be young or at home. Be intentional to enjoy them while you can. You won’t regret it.
- ZOOM time a long-distance friend or two and have a cup of coffee or herbal tea while you catch up on the latest in each other’s life to boost emotional health. Covid19 has affected how everyone relates on a daily basis and depression is on the rise because of it. Be creative to find ways to amp up your social communication. Visiting with friends deters depression and lowers blood pressure. We all know that laughter is good medicine. Proverbs 17:22 (KJV) states, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Friends help us have a merry heart. Share a smile and a joke and lift someone’s heart today.
These simple steps can be applied effortlessly to boost your health on a daily basis. You might already be doing some of these so take time to implement the new choices that aren’t being addressed. Make this fall your healthiest yet!
