Keeping our body mobile over the coming autumn and winter months is essential for effective immune function.

Movement really is medicine and a supple body will help reduce inflammation and fatigue, which in turn support your body’s immune response.

Autumn Fitness

One of the best ways to maintain your fitness goals during autumn is to keep attending your Pilates classes. Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that helps to increase strength, flexibility, and overall body awareness. It’s the perfect way to combat the effects of the cooler weather, and it’s also a great way to meet like-minded people who share your fitness goals.

Autumn & Winter Health

Coughs, shivers, aches & pains; it must be flu season!
There’s no way to guarantee you won’t get the flu, but certain steps can help reduce the possibility
. By learning more about the disease, what steps you can take to prevent it and what to do if you get sick, you can increase your chance of staying healthy or recovering more quickly.

Our immune systems are amazing and can recognise viral strains it has encountered and beaten off before, BUT it will not recognise a new virus!

Ways to Prepare for Cold & Flu Season

Stock up on supplies before flu season starts. Purchase tissues, hand sanitizer, hand soap and paper towels. Take a look at your medicine cabinet too. Replace anything that has expired and make sure you have pain relievers, decongestants, fever reducers and cough syrup.

Tips for Preventing Flu

  • Get a flu jab
  • Avoid sick people, we know the routine well now!
  • Don’t touch your face – Touching your face with infected hands quickly spreads viruses.
  • Wash your hands – again, we all know the routine…
  • Disinfect
  • Use hand sanitiser

Ways to boost your immunity

1. Get a good night’s sleep
A good night’s sleep can work wonders for your health. Make sure you get into a regular sleeping routine and give your body plenty of time to rest, restore and rejuvenate. Try turning off all your electronics an hour before you head to sleep and set yourself a strict sleep schedule.

2. Consider the flu jab
There’s a reason the flu jab is offered around autumn; this is when we’re at our most vulnerable to the ever-changing flu bug.

3. Spend time with your loved ones
Studies have shown that hugging family and friends is a great mood booster and stress buster, which in turn is beneficial to your immune system. Stress is a number one culprit when it comes to feeling a little rundown and it can actually weaken the immune system.

4. Wash your hands
It might sound obvious, but washing the germs away can have a massive impact on your health. Carry a hand sanitiser for when you’re out and about and make sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water.

5. Keep Fit
Moderate exercise is a great way to keep your body working the way it should; you should aim for about five 30-minute cardio sessions a week and two strength-training sessions, be that a weight session or a Pilates class. Don’t overdo it, though. Too much exercise and not enough rest can actually have the opposite effect on your health; your body needs a break!

While the weather may be cooler, it’s still important to get outside and stay active. Take advantage of the beautiful autumn weather and go for a walk or a bike ride. You can also try outdoor activities like hiking, apple picking, or even raking leaves. Getting outside and staying active can help boost your mood and keep you motivated.

6. Mental Health
The change of seasons can also affect your mental health. If you find yourself feeling down or anxious during autumn, try incorporating stress-reducing activities into your routine, like meditation or yoga. You can also talk to a mental health professional if you need additional support. Studies have shown that meditation boosts the immune system. Not to mention, people who meditate are much happier and healthier too.

7. Stay hydrated
While the temperature may be cooler, it’s still important to stay hydrated during autumn. Drinking water helps to keep your skin looking healthy, supports digestion, and helps to regulate body temperature. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and if you find it hard to drink plain water, try adding some fruit or herbal tea to your water bottle.

8. Embrace seasonal produce
Autumn is a great time to enjoy seasonal produce. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help boost your immune system and keep you healthy during the colder months. Some of the best produce for autumn includes pumpkins, apples, pears, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash. Try incorporating these foods into your diet to add some seasonal variety.
To help boost your immune system, try incorporating immune-boosting foods like garlic, ginger, and turmeric into your diet. You can also consider taking supplements like vitamin C or echinacea to help support your immune system.
9. Take care of your skin
The cooler weather and indoor heating can be tough on your skin. Make sure you moisturize daily, especially after showering or bathing. Use a humidifier in your home to help combat dryness, and don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun, even on cloudy days.

 

Reference: https://www.alignpilates.co.nz/blog/fall-into-wellness & https://www.horderhealthcare.co.uk/healthy-living/boost-your-immune-system-for-autumn & http://www.caringeveryday.co.uk/healthy-living/11-ways-to-boost-immune-system-this-autumn & https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15901/8-ways-to-boost-your-immunity-this-fall.html