Autumn Tips for Staying Healthy

As the weather gets colder our bodies notice. Good news (other than the return of pumpkin spice lattes) is that we’ve got some tips to share for staying on top of your health this autumn season! ​

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1. Schedule Your Flu Shot
Flu vaccines are the best preventive measure you can take against illnesses associated with cold weather. Flu season arrives every year and it’s best to protect yourself earlier, so you can enjoy our beautiful West Virginia autumns uninterrupted by sickness. Contact one of our healthcare providers for further guidance on flu vaccinations.

2. Stay Hydrated Everyday
Hydration is an all-season recommendation, but especially during the fall. It’s easy to remember to drink water when it’s hot out, but it's more difficult when it gets cold. Consider drinking warm herbal teas or lemon water in the morning if you’re looking to escape the chill. Adequate water intake supports your internal body temperature, helps you stay warm, and boosts your energy levels to avoid midafternoon slumps. With the sun setting sooner, it gets darker fast. 
Here are some cozy fall drink recipes to help you get in season and stay hydrated!

3. Taking Care of Your Mental Health
Seasonal depression is common especially as the leaves start to fall and the sun sets sooner. Remember to take care of yourself by doing what makes you happy like hobbies, journaling, visiting friends, making plans regularly, having a warm drink on a cold day, or making delicious soups to celebrate the beginning of our resting season of the year. We suggest reframing these colder months as a time to rest, heal, and come back stronger in the spring, rather than as a time of cold weather and darker days.

4. Make Balanced Meals & Participate In Fall-Time Activities
Your immune system will thank you when you ensure you’re eating a balanced diet with everything your body needs: protein, grains, vegetables, fruit, and legumes. Combine fall-time activities like apple picking to make the most of your fall-time nutrition! Include seasonal foods like squash, pumpkin, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and cranberries. The Pioneer Woman has an excellent list of fall-time recipes that we love to make. Let us know what recipe you want to try in the comments!

Embrace fall as the beginning of a rest and healing period with us! Keeping your body healthy keeps your mind healthy and vice versa. This is your sign to make a good, warm drink at home and curl up under a cozy blanket to celebrate autumn.