As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, change is in the air. That’s what makes fall a great time for renewal and fresh starts. It’s time to fine-tune your health by making one or two small changes that yield big results.
WebMD asked experts their top tips for healthy living this fall. Here’s what they suggested:
1. Defuse stress with friendship.
Fall is a good time to come back together after the summer scattering of vacations and busy schedules—a great time to relax with friends. The positive emotions will make you feel good, and when joy and stress meet up, the joy wins out.
2. Be tender with your teeth.
If you do one thing to improve your dental health this fall, turn over a new leaf by ditching habits that are hard on your teeth. This means no more chewing on ice or
popcorn kernels.
3. Have fun with fitness.
Try a less-conventional workout to spruce up your regimen. Take a ballroom dance class or a mind-body workout such as yoga, Pilates, or Tai chi. You’ll be energized and more likely to stick with it.
4. Take an eye exam.
If you do one thing to improve your vision, take a cue from kids, who often need back-to-school vision exams. Schedule a checkup with your eye doctor.
5. Warm-up with wine.
Diversify your alcohol choice with a room temperature glass of table wine. The warmer drink will take the chill off and the wine, especially red, has heart health benefits.
6. Synchronize your sleep.
Manage the more demanding fall schedules by synchronizing your internal sleep-wake clock to the outside environment. In the morning, get outside within 5 minutes of getting up and expose yourself to bright light for 30 minutes. At night, avoid bright light within two to three hours of bedtime because it might delay your sleep onset.
