As the cooler months are approaching it can be harder to eat healthy and find ways to stay active. This year, why not get a head start on some healthy habits to prepare for the fall and winter. You’ll be one step closer to a healthier you by remembering to make these small changes.
Get your vitamin D. Get outside in the sun when the weather allows for it. A walk in the afternoon when the sun is the warmest or even just sitting on your porch or deck relaxing can be enough to get your dose of this important vitamin.
Wash your hands frequently. With cold and flu season upon us, it’s important to remember to wash your hands frequently. According to the CDC, washing your hands with warm water for 20 seconds is key to kill and remove germs on your hands.
Get up and move instead of sitting. More football to watch and less activities in colder weather can cause us to be a bit more sedentary. Make a conscious effort to get up and move whenever you can. Stretch during commercials, go for a morning stroll or even set a ten minute timer to walk around your house to get moving.
Eat plenty of fruit and veggies. With the warmer days behind us we often find holiday treats and comfort foods tempting us. Don’t forget to eat a balanced diet by making sure you’ve added healthy vegetables and fruits to each meal. This can give you a boost of vitamins and minerals to help keep your immune system strong.
Stay hydrated. Getting plenty of water is important to keep your body hydrated and healthy. Using timers on your phone can be a great way to remind yourself to drink those ounces each day.
Get plenty of sleep. Not getting enough sleep has been linked to heart disease, depression, obesity, and more. The CDC recommends at least seven hours of sleep each night for adults. Try to go to bed around the same time each night to stay in a routine and allow your body to mentally wind down before bed by turning off the television and putting your phone away.
By starting these healthy habits now, you’ll be ready to enjoy the holidays and possibly even have fewer resolutions to make in the new year. Set small goals for yourself at first and you’ll be reaching for new ones before you know it!
