The cooler temperatures and hot chocolate bring risks. The flu, bronchitis, allergies, and the common cold circulate this time of year. Your self-care should be your top priority and you should see a doctor at least once a year. But self-care doesn’t stop there. Here are five tips to help you care for your health this fall.
Exercise Regularly to Cope With Arthritis
You know you need exercise, but did you know that research from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals arthritis affects roughly 54 million people aged 18 and older? Cool, damp weather causes arthritis to flare up as a reduction in barometric pressure results in swelling joints. So, if you live with arthritis, understand that the swelling process results in more pressure being placed on the nerves. The end result is severe aches, many of which can be avoided with regular workouts. Go for a walk, ride a bike, and use an elliptical machine. This way, you keep your joints loose and limber and less prone to other injuries.
Get a Flu Shot
The flu vaccine produces antibodies that provide protection against infection. Check with your local health department, nearby hospitals, clinics, and drugstores for potential vaccine locations. Most people can use a casual reminder that the flu vaccine is no substitute for effective hand-washing. By keeping your hands sanitized, you reduce the spread of germs, thus preventing yourself from catching any nasty illnesses in the process.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Some people think of sleep as cosmetic surgery; it’s an add-on option to make life a little easier, fun, and more attractive. In reality, sleep is essential to survival, and not getting enough of it will impact your day in ways you might not notice. While most aestheticians agree that you should get a facial once a month, you still need at least seven hours of sleep every night to maintain clear skin and a healthy body. Staying rested gives you the energy to stay focused at the office every day, even when you feel low on motivation. To make sleep easier, reduce smartphone usage. Your eyes don’t need the blue light, so shut the screens off at least an hour earlier for a better night’s rest.
Remember to Eat Healthy Foods
This fall, you might be tempted to bundle up and order take-out. But processed foods should be avoided because they lead to high blood pressure, which can cause strokes and heart attacks. The threat doesn’t go away just because the cookouts are ending. You still want to get a healthy balance of fruits and vegetables in your diet, so try meals with kale to get a head start on fiber, or add spinach to your dinners for a healthy dose of antioxidants. Mix your meals up throughout the week to maximize variety. And be sure to eat several times a day so that your body gets enough calories.
Now that you’ve prepared for autumn, you can go through life without having to worry about getting sick. Eating healthy foods is as important to your self-care routine as getting enough sleep and exercise. So, stay on top of your self-care by following these tips. You’ll be sure to get through the fall without a problem.
