10 Tips to Stay Healthy in Autumn

In India, the autumn months typically last from October to November. The country witnesses’ mild temperatures of around 33°C, low humidity, and cool breezes. However, this season is also accompanied by unique health concerns since the cooler weather can weaken immunity and make individuals more prone to infection and illness.

Some common autumn illnesses include the common cold, lung infections like pneumonia, throat infections, bronchiolitis, and stomach flu. Implementing the necessary autumn care to prevent or reduce the impact of these conditions is essential. This article delves into some autumn care tips to stay healthy during the cooler months.

1. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

During the autumn months, the body’s immune system may be weakened. Since the immune system is the body’s natural defence against infections, this could lead to higher risks of infections. To strengthen the immune system, it’s important to eat a balanced diet, get sufficient sleep, and stay hydrated. A diet with fruits and vegetables, as well as supplements like vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc, can help. Staying hydrated also helps the body function properly.

2. Eat Seasonal Produce

Eating seasonal produce is one of the best tips for staying healthy during autumn. This time of year offers a variety of nutrient-rich foods like pumpkins, pears, and apples. These provide individuals with the necessary vitamins, minerals, and fibre to maintain a balanced diet.

3. Exercise Regularly

As the weather becomes colder, physical activity becomes more difficult and infrequent. However, it is essential to exercise regularly to stay healthy and improve bodily functions. This could include joining a gym, doing home workouts, or following online exercise routines. Medical professionals recommend walking for 10 minutes several times daily since it can improve health, boost energy, and improve mental health.

4. Use a Humidifier

During autumn, the air becomes colder and less humid, which can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma, sinusitis, bronchitis, and nosebleeds. Even individuals without preexisting conditions may experience breathing difficulties. Using a humidifier, which adds moisture to the air, can help alleviate these problems, making it easier to breathe and manage the cooler weather.

5. Maintain Proper Hygiene

Adequate autumn care also requires proper hygiene. When washing hands, it is important to use soap and warm water and scrub the hands thoroughly (including under the fingernails and between the fingers) for at least 20 seconds. Using a hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol can lower the risk of illness.

It is important to wash one’s hands before eating or cooking food, after using the washroom, after coughing or sneezing, after touching surfaces in public spaces, after touching animals or handling their waste, and after outdoor activities.

6. Keep The House Clean

An individual’s environment can also affect their health. To prevent illness, it is important to maintain healthy and hygienic surroundings. This involves regularly cleaning the house to minimize bacteria and allergens. Keeping indoor plants can help improve air quality, which can be helpful in cities where pollution is a concern.

7. Get Sufficient Sleep

Sleep is crucial at any time of the year. However, the body often requires more rest during seasonal changes. Individuals need at least seven hours of sleep to allow the body to repair itself. A regular sleep schedule and a nighttime routine can help the body prepare for sleep, improving immunity.

8. Manage Stress

Stress management is important during the autumn season. High stress levels can reduce immunity, since cortisol suppresses the immune system. Activities like meditation, yoga, walking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help to manage stress levels and boost immunity.

9. Take Care of Mental Health

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) causes symptoms of depression during the autumn and winter months. In India, more than 10 million people suffer from this condition, which is worsened by reduced sunlight and shorter days. Some ways to combat SAD are to practise mindfulness tactics, like meditation and deep breathing, and spend time with friends and family. Individuals experiencing SAD can also consult medical professionals for other possible treatments.

10. Get the Necessary Vaccinations

Certain vaccinations, such as the COVID-19 or pneumonia vaccine, may also be necessary during the autumn months. Vaccines reduce the risk of developing certain illnesses, reduce the impact of serious illnesses, and prevent hospitalisation and death. They also help to control the spread of illnesses amongst larger communities.

If an individual is experiencing symptoms of SAD, respiratory issues, stomach flu, or other illnesses in autumn, it is crucial to consult a medical professional and check for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. To book a vitamin panel test, visit the Dr Lal PathLabs website today.

FAQs

1. What are common autumn illnesses in India?

Some common autumn illnesses in India are the common cold, stomach flu, and pneumonia.

2. What is the healthy food in autumn?

Some healthy foods in autumn include pumpkin, apples, turmeric, spinach, garlic, and ginger.