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It’s Pumpkin Spice Season! How To Stay Healthy All Autumn Long

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It’s pumpkin spice season! how to stay healthy all autumn long

Decorative gourds, doughnuts and apple cider, skinny jeans worn with leather boots and cozy, cuddly plaid scarves, a crisp chill to the air, slow cookers full of warm and hearty stews, and of course yummy cups of spiced coffee. Some people call the holidays “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for a certain kind of person, the fall months are the best months.

Of course, you don’t want to miss a minute of apple picking, strolling through the pumpkin patch, sipping your PSL, and getting ready for spooky season! To stay feeling your best, follow these wellness tips for good health all autumn long.

Give That Immune System a Boost

For a lot of folks, back-to-school means the return of germs. If you are a parent, teacher, or anyone who interacts with lots of young people, be sure to get your flu shot and keep that hand sanitizer close by.

In addition, give your immune system a boost by eating a nutritious diet, getting adequate sleep, and staying hydrated.

Once you’ve gotten your fill of visiting Instagram-worthy pumpkin patches and sunflower fields, you should also consider supplementing your Vitamin D. Also known as the Sunshine Vitamin, D can really help boost your mood and your immunity if you are getting out a little less now that temperatures are dropping.

Consider Some Supplements

Stock up now on a few other supplements to help keep the worst of fall and winter illnesses away. Some suggestions that all have their adherents include:

  • Echinacea
  • Goldenseal
  • Raw garlic (or garlic capsules)
  • Manuka honey
  • Vitamin C
  • Zinc

Still others swear by golden milk, a warming and soothing hot drink that is actually good for you, as well as easy to make at home and quite a bit more economical than those pricey PSLs.

If you happen to come down with a nasty bug nevertheless, follow the age-old advice of getting plenty of rest and plenty of fluids.

Not sure if it’s serious enough to warrant a doctor’s visit? Do your research in advance to find out what maladies are best treated in an urgent care or 24 hour emergency room setting, and which you can handle at home with some chicken soup and ginger ale.

Get Your Harvest Bounty On

In addition to those aforementioned apples and pumpkins, there’s a whole bounty of harvest goodness waiting for you at the farmer’s market, roadside stand, or grocery store. Pick up some cruciferous veggies like Brussels sprouts, broccoli or cabbage. Try a new type of winter squash this year — if you like butternut, you’ll love Delicata! — or stick with an old standby like acorn.

These in-season vegetables are delicious and super good for you. Whip up a hearty vegan stew in the slow cooker, or toss chunks of veg in EVOO and roast until golden brown and tender.

Be Smart About Daylight Saving Time

Many people consider the notion of Daylight Saving Time to be outmoded and unnecessary, but like it or not, setting our clocks back an hour each fall is here to stay, at least for now. To cope with the disruption this annual changeover causes, stick to a set sleep schedule and don’t go too crazy trying to compensate. Take a nap if you must, but maintaining your normal bedtime and wake time is best.

Limit your exposure to electronics before you try to get that shut-eye, too. If you must use your phone, tablet, or laptop, download an app that filters out blue light to keep your circadian rhythm from getting out of whack while you get your nightly Twitch fix.

Now Get Out There and Enjoy Autumn!

There are so many fun things to do in the fall. Whether you are taking in the homecoming game at your alma mater, choosing the perfect pumpkin to turn into a jack-o-lantern, or taking advantage of that perfect sunny autumn day to have an orchard photoshoot, keep these tips in mind to stay healthy and have the best fall ever!

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