Autumn has arrived...

 

 

Rather it comes down to the small lifestyle choices we make every day, which slowly build up over time to produce a great result – a happy, healthy Winter – or, as we say, a less than optimal one. In other words, all the things we talk about regularly in this blog. 

 

And while it’s easy to focus on what we eat and drink – although this is a great place to start – it goes much, much further than this. Sleep, exercise, regular r&r, stress, mindset and addressing any ongoing medical issues / concerns, to name but a few. 

 

So, if that’s the case, what are we going to talk about this year? 

 

Well, it’s more about giving you a few gentle reminders, to help ease your way through the darker months. 

 

Top of the list is another simple truth which we seem to repeat at regular intervals to Clients, family and friends. Usually in response to the latest scare story on the “doom and gloom” that whichever bug is “doing the rounds.” 

 

Ready? 

 

Then here it is. 

 

THERE IS NO BOGEYMAN OUT THERE WAITING TO POUNCE ON THE FIRST UNSUSPECTING PERSON PASSING BY. In other words, you! 

 

AND THE SAME IS TRUE WHETHER IT’S A WINTER BUG OR SOME OTHER LURGY SAID TO BE “DOING THE ROUNDS.” NOTHING IS LURKING OUT THERE WAITING FOR AN UNLUCKY PERSON TO PASS BY. No, it isn’t! 

 

Instead, IT’S ALWAYS DOWN TO OUR INDIVIDUAL SUSCEPTIBILITY. In other words, all the things we’ve already mentioned and talk about regularly in this blog. For a reminder why this is ALWAYS the case, click here. 

 

Moving swiftly on (!), here are a few other things worth remembering at this time of year: 

 

It’s all too easy to use the colder months as an excuse not to do some of the things it’s easier – or much more enjoyable (!) – to do in the summer. However, while it’s easy for the Little Monster in our heads to convince us otherwise, going into hibernation mode does us no favours at all. Any which way. 

 

We really do benefit from having time outside every day and taking regular exercise all year round. Yes, we know it’s not so much fun when you’re having to wrap up against the elements, but it’s still important to do so. As one Client said, there’s no such thing as the “wrong” weather but “wrong” clothing… Our bodies are designed to be active all year round. 

 

And here’s one so many people seem to overlook these days. Dressing for the season, not just turning up the thermostat on the central heating. Wearing layers – old fashioned we know, but making it much easier to adjust to changes of temperature as we go about our day – is a much easier way for our bodies to adjust to the changing seasons. Big changes of temperature from inside to outside – whether in the Winter courtesy of central heating or in the Summer due to air con – make it very difficult for our bodies to acclimatise which, then, makes us more susceptible to any bugs which may be doing the rounds as well as to becoming chilled. 

 

Equally important is not going into “comfort eating” mode, ie, bingeing on all those high sugar / carb treats. It’s a longstanding old wives’ tale that this will help keep out the cold, it doesn’t (!). Instead, sugar is a well known Immune System suppressant, making you more susceptible to any bugs, as well as putting an extra strain on your body – and that’s without any resulting weight increase… 

 

Talking of comfort eating, here’s another one that goes hand in hand with it. Going into Couch Potato or hibernation mode. Slumped on the sofa in front of the TV or glued to antisocial media (!). Why not use your evenings to do some of those things you’ve been meaning to do, perhaps, picking up old hobbies or interests – or new ones? Catching up with people you’ve been meaning to get in contact with – and we mean face to face or actually talking to them, giving them the benefit of your undivided time and attention? Having time away from all the blue light electronic devices which, again, don’t help our bodies, sleep or spirits. This is particularly the case if you’re prone to SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder – which is an incentive in itself… 

 

Finally, before we finish for today, here are links to our previous blog posts for this time of year: 

 

Getting the basics right, day to day. To find out more click here. 

 

Our natural defences and why it takes a lot of energy to be ill. You can find these posts here and here. 

 

Simple things you can do every day to help avoid the bugs, click here. 

 

What to do if the worst happens, click here. 

 

As always, the choice is yours.