Things to consider for our health and well being as we move into Autumn

Autumn is a great season of change as the colder weather and shorter days mean that we spend more time inside; it’s the perfect time to slow down and take a moment to look at your health and wellness.

TIPS:

Get enough vitamin D

This essential vitamin helps the body absorb calcium. Daylight is one source of Vitamin D and as daylight hours lessen then this vitamin D is less available. Take vitamin D supplements or eat cod liver oil, salmon, tuna to keep levels up. Also consider eating immunity boosting foods such as garlic, spinach, ginger and almonds.

Soak in an epsom salt bath

Epsom salts contain magnesium which can help with removal of toxins. Magnesium is also known to ease arthritic pain which can often flare up in the cold weather. Sprinkle a liberal amount of epsom salts into a hot bath (make it cooler of you are suffering from joint inflammation). A 15 minute bath can really help ease aches and pains. This can even become a daily routine.

Have dinner as a family

Not only does this provide a great time for the family to regroup and reconnect, it has also been shown that families who eat together tend to eat more nutritious meals. People also tend to eat more slowly, appreciating food more, improving digestion and reducing over eating.

Enjoy the cooler weather outdoors

It’s no better time to enjoy the changing colours, crisp air and sounds of nature – boosts mood, creativity and helps aid relaxation.

“MOT” treatment

It’s a good time to book in for a treatment of osteopathy, acupuncture or homeopathy to check that all is as good as it can be going forward into the winter months. Arthritic aches and pains might be increasing with the cold and damp weather, energy levels dropping or your mood lowering.

DE - CLUTTER

As we are going to spending more time inside over the next few months, it’s important that your inside surroundings promote a relaxing and pleasant mood.

We tend to be overloaded with “stuff” – piles of mail, unpacked boxes from that last house move, old videos and CDs etc. Clutter can be associated with increased levels of anxiety and depression.

MESS LEADS TO SO MUCH STRESS

Why?

Clutter bombards our minds with excessive stimuli causing our senses to work overtime on things which aren’t necessary or important.

Clutter constantly signals to our brains that our work is never done.

Clutter creates feelings of guilt and embarrassment  ("I should be more organized" etc.) especially when others unexpectedly drop by our homes or workspaces.

Clutter prevents us finding essential things which we need quickly.

How to de clutter

For a simple way to start, designate three boxes or bags: Waste, Donate, Sell. Every day, challenge yourself to pick up ten items and put them into one of the three boxes/bags.

Autumn is a good time to clear some clutter and make the inside of your home a calming refuge.

Also consider to create that better atmosphere:

Tackling those piles of clutter 15 minutes at a time.

Creating a clutter free zone in one room.

In warm weather, open a window and enjoy the fresh air.

Put out photos of good memories or soothing places.

Add some houseplants, which will also help create clean air.

Adding an extra light or increasing the light bulb wattage can help “lighten” the mood.

Creating a quiet corner/reading corner with some comfortable pillows.

Turning on some soothing music.

Painting -  a little more work, but worth it. Consider repainting in a soft hue that makes you feel good.