5 top tips for staying well this autumn
It's the season where most people are feeling under the weather so here's our guide to you bucking the trend and staying well...
So Autumn is the transition between the warmer times of the Summer and the frostier times of Winter.
It's also the season where most people experience the struggle to stay well, with cough, colds and generally feeling a bit under the weather seems to be everywhere.
No need to fear though, we have compiled a list of our top tips for staying well this season...
1. Use geranium
Geranium is a little known gem when it comes to staying well. We use a couple of drops of the pure essential oil in our diffusers here in our spa.
It contains antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties. By placing a few drops in a diffuser and gently breathing in the air that is has permeated, it can help to prevent bacterial infections (there are also studies to prove it's as effective as taking antibiotics in the treatment of certain infections too, see here for more details).
So if you're travelling a lot or work in an office in close confines, place a few drops on a tissue to inhale. At home, place a few drops in a diffuser and enjoy π
2. rest
As the nights draw in and our body adapts to the changes, it's totally ok to get more rest. I know I certainly have more energy in the Summer which results in more hours 'doing'. So it's now totally ok to go with the ebb and flow and take your foot off the gas for a moment.
Finding yourself wanting to go to bed earlier? Do it. Struggling to get up as early, don't beat yourself up about it.
Understand that this is a transition time for your body, it will adapt, just be willing to give it some time (and a little extra R&R).
3. get enough vitamin d
So up until a couple of years ago, I didn't really know much about Vitamin D other than we produce it from the sun. But thanks to Julie Harrison (check out her fab article here), I began to understand it's huge importance when it comes to our health.
Here in Torbay, the suns rays are only strong enough to produce Vitamin D between March and October, so I advise to get your levels checked and take a supplement if needed. It's one of the most low cost things you can do for your health.
4. up your nutrition
Quite often when we're feeling a bit under the weather we reach for the nearest comfort foods. Use it as an opportunity to give your body the nutrients it needs rather than even more toxins to have to deal with.
Soups, stews and casseroles are super cheap and easy to make and are packed full of so much goodness. Plus they are the ultimate warming foods on cold dark nights π
5. nurture yourself
I encounter far more clients who rarely do this than those who have a great self care routine.
We seem to believe that if we just keep going, once we get 'there' we'll then step back. The thing is we rarely get 'there' wherever that is, so we more often than not, find ourselves at the bottom of the pile. Tired and weary.
I cannot emphasise enough what a massive difference nurturing yourself makes to your overall well-being and staying well in general. Check out our guide here for some ideas to get you started.