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Looking After Your Well-being As The Weather Gets Cooler

By The Rescue® Team
Team RESCUE®

As autumn settles in (and we settle into autumn), we’re reminded of the shock to the system that cold weather can bring each year. We know to expect it, but the reality of that chill can still take us by surprise.

With winter around the corner, now is the time to get into those healthy cooler-weather habits. Taking care of your well-being can look a little bit different on this side of the calendar, so remember to focus on the following things over the next several months.

Staying hydrated

This one is important all day, every day, all year round. Drinking water helps flush toxins from your system, which helps you to feel (and look) healthier – more energy, brighter skin, brighter eyes. Keeping hydrated also helps regulate your body temperature! 

Cold weather and wind can dry out the skin, so drinking water becomes an even more important part of skincare during cold months. The internal effects of hydration are huge: immune system function, delivery of oxygen and nutrients through the body and digestive function, to name a few. In colder weather, you’re more likely to catch a cold or infection, so your immune system can use all the support you can give it.

Staying active

You might have lost that motivation to get outside for a run, walk or workout, but staying active on cold days can help fight off those cold-weather ruts. If you’re into group exercise, consider signing up for indoor classes. Or, sign up for a gym if that’s your style (once you’re in the door, the idea of working out becomes a whole lot easier). 

If gyms or classes aren’t for you, that’s okay! There are plenty of ways to stay active from home. You can find tutorials online for exercises that require no equipment, like body-weight training, or exercises that use everyday objects, like a kitchen chair for tricep dips. 

Remember to balance your sitting time with standing time – consider standing up or doing some squats or lunges while watching TV. Even doing jumping jacks while you wait for the microwave to go off is a great way to include bursts of activity into your day if you’re overwhelmed by tackling a full-blown at-home workout – focus on limiting sedentary time.

Remember to wear sunscreen

UV rays can still cause damage to your skin through clouds and rain. You’ll thank yourself in the long run if you include sunscreen into your daily skincare routine (at least on the face).

Continue to cook good food

Cold weather can be a bit uninspiring, and the temptation to order food or eat something quick and easy can rise during this time of year. Set yourself a goal of cooking a nutritious meal a few times a week (or more!), or aim to order meals with plenty of leafy greens, protein and legumes. 

Some great cold-weather foods include:

Root vegetables – turnips, carrots, ginger, sweet potato

  • Broccoli and cauliflower – high in Vitamin C 
  • Oats – high in fibre and zinc, which can support immune function
  • Soup, stews and bakes – pack in as many veggies as you can! These are great meals to make in bulk and have on hand for when you can’t be bothered making a meal from scratch.

Take advantage of the sun

As the sun becomes less frequent, aim to get out into it whenever the opportunity arises. Each day the sun does come out, let it hit your hands and (sunscreened) face to improve vitamin D absorption, which supports immune function.

Keep the chest, neck, head and feet warm

Your face, head and chest are most sensitive to temperature changes, so keeping these covered can help you feel warm (even if your body temperature doesn’t rise!). Keeping your ankles and wrists covered can help you feel warmer too, which is where long sleeves and thick socks come into play.

Several thin layers are often a good way to stay warm, especially if you’re out and about and entering places with the heating on or experiencing temperature fluctuations.

Take care of your mental well-being

Your physical and mental health are connected, and the above habits can help tend to both. A few extra things you can do for mental wellness include introducing mindfulness or meditation into your routine, gratitude journalling and breathing exercises. For some extra support through times of emotional demand, reach for RESCUE Remedy® natural flower essences.

Whether you're one of those people who spend half the year looking forward to the cold months, or you're a disappointed hot weather-lover, stay warm! Sending warm thoughts ???? RESCUE.