5 Natural Hacks Anyone Can Use for Better Well-Being This Fall

While the end of summer brings a level of nostalgia over the long, sunny days, with fall comes a new beginning. A time to take out the gear for sweater weather and fill the air with pumpkin spice and all that jazz. That transition, however, is not without its downsides. As we get fewer daylight hours, our health can suffer. That’s why it’s important to take actionable steps to boost your well-being this fall. Here’s how:

Add Seasonal Foods to the Menu

Everyone knows that sticking to a balanced diet is the key to a healthy lifestyle. What’s even better is incorporating the season’s best produce to use everything that nature has to offer. Fortunately for you, fall is a delightful season full of delicious, fresh produce. Make sure to add plenty of leafy greens, pumpkins, crab apples, brussels sprouts, and turnips to your diet. Don’t forget to add immune-supporting soups and broths, too, to keep colds at bay. And last but not least, try to reduce your intake of sugar and processed foods, as they have a lasting negative impact on your well-being.

Exercise Regularly

With the sun getting shy come fall time, cuddling in bed and skipping the gym can become a tempting option. But, just because you may feel lazy and tired due to the seasons changing, it doesn’t mean you should abandon your workout routine. If going to the gym doesn’t entice you anymore, you can still stay active with season-appropriate activities like going for walks, hiking on weekends, or even doing yoga in the park. Get creative, and don’t stop moving!

Get Plenty of Sleep

The transition period between seasons often causes sleep disruptions and changes to the sleep cycle. You may feel restless at night and too groggy in the morning. While it’s not just the weather to blame for those symptoms, it does contribute to them. Make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep a night, and if you have trouble falling asleep, try drinking warm milk or camomile tea before bed. Doing yoga and/or stretching exercises also helps in soothing the body and helping you fall asleep more easily.

Try to Keep Stress at Bay

It’s no secret that stress is the biggest enemy of your well-being. It can cause long-term damage to your health, so it’s important to fill your days with things that uplift and calm you. Make time for yourself and your hobbies, and don’t forget to spend quality time with your family. Watch a movie at home with your family. Organize meetups with your friends and activities that energize you. All of these help in keeping your stress levels low and manageable.

Get Enough Vitamin D

Since Vitamin D increases your energy levels, strengthens your bones, and lifts your spirits, it’s a key ingredient in improving your well-being. As the days get shorter in fall and winter, make sure to spend time outdoors while the sun is still out. Although you mostly get your necessary supply of Vitamin D through the sun, that’s not the only available source you can use. You can also boost your Vitamin D levels by eating foods like tuna, salmon, milk, eggs, and cod liver oil.