Self-Care for Fall
As the leaves change and the air becomes crisp, it's important to adjust your self-care routine to align with the fall season. This step helps to ensure that your health and well-being is prioritized during this transitional time of year. Here are a few of our tips to help you stay healthy and happy during the cozy fall season.
1. Stay Hydrated
With the weather becoming cooler, it can be difficult to feel thirsty but drinking an adequate amount of water daily is essential. The human body is made up of approximately 60% water which is used in every cell, tissue and organ to regulate temperature, transport nutrients, and remove waste. When you're not properly hydrated your body has a difficult time performing these necessary functions efficiently and can lead to dehydration.
Studies show that staying hydrated is also important as it helps to improve cognitive function, support digestion, boost physical performance and enhance overall skin health. The general recommendation is to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, but individual needs may vary based on factors like age, weight, activity level, and climate. A good rule of thumb is to listen to your body and drink filtered, non-carbonated water whenever you feel thirsty.
2. Prioritize Sleep
The shorter days can disrupt your sleep patterns, so it is important to prioritize a good night's rest at the end of the day. Sleep plays a crucial role in cognitive function and studies have shown that adequate sleep can improve concentration, productivity and overall mental performance. In fact, a lack of sleep has been linked to decreased cognitive abilities, memory problems and difficulty making decisions. By making sleep a priority you can ensure your brain is functioning at its best each day.
Sleep also has a significant impact on your physical health and emotional well-being. Research has shown that getting enough sleep can help regulate hormones, support a healthy immune system and even aid in weight management. It also plays a crucial role in regulating emotions along with mood and by prioritizing sleep you can improve your emotional well-being, reduce stress levels and enhance your overall quality of life.
3. Protect Your Skin
During the fall the air tends to be drier, which can lead to increased moisture loss from your skin. This can result in dryness, flakiness and even irritation. We like to recommend incorporating products into your seasonal routine that include hydrating ingredients such as lipids, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and ceramides. These help to provide skin nutrients, lock in moisture and prevent dehydration. It can also be beneficial if the product contains a barrier, from lightweight to moderate or heavy, to help hold moisture in. This barrier helps to protect the acid mantle or skin barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which can lead to further dehydration and topical redness.
It is also important to protect skin from harmful UV rays and damage to skin even though the sun may not feel as intense during the fall. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily can help protect your skin from premature aging, sunburn, and even skin cancer. It is also beneficial to wear a wide brim hat and sun shirt when spending extended time outside during this transitional time of year.