The path to better health does not always have to include huge leaps and dramatic lifestyle changes. A few small changes in your everyday life can add up and make a significant difference. And because these things are quite easy to incorporate into your routine, they will be easy to sustain in the long run. So try to incorporate these strategies into your regimen during this fall, in order to improve your overall health and quality of life.
Get rid of stress
Most of us encounter stressful situations on an everyday basis, but we rarely stop to think about all the negative influences it has, not just on our mental, but our physical health as well. Prolonged stress can lead to serious medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and even a stroke. This is why it is extremely important to try to relax whenever you can. Take time out of your day to unwind while listening to soothing music or reading a good book, or try soaking in the hot tub after a long day of work. Don’t think that a busy schedule can stop you from relaxation; spending as little as ten minutes a time doing something you enjoy can go a long way toward combating the stress of everyday life.
Take proper care of your skin
Colder and harsher fall weather can take a significant toll on your skin, as it tends to appear dry and flaky. This is why it is crucial to find the best skincare regimen for your skin type and give your complexion the care it desperately needs in the upcoming months. Start with a gentle cleanser that removes the built-up sebum from your pores and lets your skin breathe more easily. Always include a good moisturizer in your routine, in order to maintain proper hydration and obtain healthy and glowing skin. Don’t forget about your hands, because the cool air can have quite an effect on them as well, and remember to include a moisturizing hand cream into your everyday regimen.
Increase your physical activity
Apart from improving your outward appearance, consistent physical activity does wonders to your overall health as well – it can easily combat health conditions and diseases, while keeping you happy and energized. But after a long summer, presumably spent going on relaxing holidays, it can be quite hard to get into a regular exercise routine. There is no need to visit the gym every day or force yourself to do workouts you hate; even going jogging every morning or playing sports with your friends can be extremely beneficial in the long run. The most important thing is to find an activity that you truly enjoy doing, in order to ensure you stay persistent and perseverant.
Improve your diet
Good nutrition is one of the most important parts of leading a healthy lifestyle. A proper diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce risk of chronic diseases and improve your overall health. With numerous healthy seasonal options, fall is the perfect time to start preparing more nourishing, healthier meals. Opt for fall ingredients such as pumpkins or apples. Pumpkins are rich in fiber and packed with healthy nutrients, such as potassium and beta-carotene. Don’t overlook proper vitamin and supplement intake because it’s a good way to add more fiber, protein, and magnesium to your diet. Also, you can give focus pills a try, particularly if you need to boost your productivity and enhance your everyday performance.
Adopt a healthy sleeping pattern
Most of us tend to overlook the importance of a good sleeping pattern for our overall health, and rarely any adult gets the needed seven or more hours of sleep. However, a lack of sleep can lead to serious physical and mental health issues, which is why it is high time to return to a more normal routine during the longer fall nights. Apart from getting an adequate number of sleeping hours during the night, try going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day, even during the weekends, in order to maintain a regular sleeping schedule.
By Peter Minkoff
Peter is a lifestyle and travel writer at Men-Ual magazine, living between Ústí nad Labem and Antwerp. Follow Peter on Twitter for more tips.