1) Get Active – A study published in 2013 in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that woman who sat for more than seven hours per day were at a 47% higher risk for depressive symptoms compared with woman that sat for four hours or fewer per day. Those that sat the most and didn’t exercise at all had the highest risk, with a tripled risk of experiencing depressive symptoms.
2) Get Active…OUTSIDE – Our bodies have a huge response to light, and underexposure to light can cause fatigue, increased appetite, the “blahs” and a lower sex drive to name a few. This condition is often referred to as SAD (seasonal affective disorder). Studies have shown that SAD may have as much to do with low levels of exercise in the colder months as low levels of light. Therefore, getting active outside will help both! Invest in some proper gear for being active outside, it makes all of the difference to keeping you comfortable and motivated.
3) Support your Immune System – one of the reasons that people have a negative reaction to the colder months is that they are usually sick! Take this time to support your health and work on changing those lifestyle habits, or put in place some of the immune supporting tips from our last 2 newsletters.
4) Engage in the fall scents – it has been found that scents can trigger happy memories. While the pumpkin spice latte from starbucks comes with quite sugar punch…there is no reason that you cant make a chai tea misto (steeped chai rooibos or green tea with steamed almond milk) with some pumpkin spice on top! Also bake some muffins, if you are on a grain free plan – try some of the paleo almond and coconut flour muffins with a hit of nutmeg and spice to relish in the fall season.
5) Get a plant – there is nothing like some greenery in your house to spruce up your mood. Did you know that your house can be a more toxic environment than outside. Never fear because plants are great at removing formaldehyde and benzene from the environment which are some of the top chemicals in household items like furniture and carpets. While all plants are great, English ivy, gerbera daisy, spider plants and Boston ferns seem to be the best.