10 Ways to Stay Healthy this Fall

​​Fall is a time of transition from warm sunny weather to rain, wind and snow. It's a time of pumpkin spice, Thanksgiving and little monsters running around the neighbourhood.

Unfortunately, it's also a time when most people struggle to stay healthy. Colds and flus spread more easily when we're indoors.

As the days get shorter and the nights longer, Seasonal Affective Disorder is also a problem for a lot of people.

Thankfully, we have ways to deal with all the downsides of fall so we’re able to really enjoy the best things about the season.

Here are 10 ways to stay healthy (and happy) this fall.

#1. Wash your hands. A lot. We touch doorknobs, handrails, other people and who knows what else all day long. All of those germs end up on our hands and we can easily transfer them to our face, eyes or nose which can make us sick.

#2. Consider light therapy. Research -- not to mention years of our own experience with clients -- shows that light therapy, like the kind offered by Thrive, can help improve your mood and fight Seasonal Affective Disorder. Call us at (604) 539-8079 to book in a session.

#3. Stay warm and dry. This is the time of year when colds and flus love to take advantage of us. So, dress in layers, keep a scarf handy and don't go outside with wet hair.

#4. Drink lots of fluids. Water is always good, but herbal tea and warm soups are great too. These help keep us hydrated and can also help fight off a cold or flu.

#5. Eat healthy. Good advice for any season but especially this time of year. A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains helps boost our immune system so we're better able to fight off illness.

#6. Get enough sleep. Equally important all year round, but especially in the fall when we're more likely to get sick. Most people need a good 7-9 hours a night.

#7. Exercise. A moderate amount of exercise is one of the best things we can do for our health. It helps boost our immune system, helps us sleep better and just makes us feel good. If mobility is an issue for you, even a short walk is a good way to get started.

#8. Take some time for yourself. Relax, read a book, take a bath. Whatever helps you de-stress. Easier said than done, but because stress can make us more susceptible to illness, it's really important to find ways to relax. If you don't take time to relax, getting sick will "make" you do it.

#9. Spend time with family and friends. It's a fact that social interaction is important for our mental and emotional health. It can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Lonely people tend to get sick more often and when they do, it’s usually more serious.

#10. Have fun. Find things that make you happy and do them. This is the best time of year for pumpkin spice lattes, cozy fires and Halloween candy. Embrace it!
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What are some of your favourite ways to stay healthy in the fall?