Now summer is over the mornings are growing darker, the temperature has dropped back below 20˚c and we can often worry about how this might impact on our health. Here are a few tips to help you stay in control as the cold months hit:
You are what you eat
We are always told a balanced diet is the key to good health and by ‘eating the rainbow’ we can make sure we are getting a good range of nutrients each day. The problem we face in the autumn and winter is that cold weather and dark evenings can make us crave comfort foods which we shouldn’t eat too often. Luckily, there are lots of healthy alternatives that not only taste just as good but can also leave you feeling full, warm and satisfied.
Why not consider swapping your salad and fresh berries to more seasonal fruit and vegetables like apples, pears, carrots, pumpkins and beetroots for this time of year?
Don’t feel SAD
Studies have shown there is a link between Vitamin D and our mental health. For instance, when people are feeling down or low, they also seem to be lacking Vitamin D. The impact it can have on your mood, especially in the autumn and winter, is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
As we usually get our Vitamin D from sunlight exposure, in the colder months it’s more difficult for our skin to produce the vitamin so we must rely on getting it from other things. Foods like oily fish (mackerel, salmon, herring and sardines) as well as red meat and eggs are a great alternative – why not stock up during your next food shop?
Please note: sunbeds are not a recommended way of making vitamin D.
Keep warm, keep well
It’s time to dust off your jumpers, hats, gloves and scarves as the temperature throughout October changes slowly getting cooler and cooler; week by week.
Even though we might wake up to a perfect autumn day with blue skies and sunshine, it can be deceiving as temperatures can drop to as low as 9˚c (48˚F). It’s really important you wrap up warm because dressing properly is important to staying healthy.
Layering our clothes can help us to stay warm because air gets trapped between each layer as well as within the layers. Although it still seems too early, it’s definitely time to swop your t-shirts for your turtle necks and change your sandals to socks.
If you need advice on how to heat your home in the colder weather, check out #CaptainCosy on Facebook and Twitter or visit: www.trivallis.co.uk/managing-your-home