Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.
When the air gets colder, the days get darker, and pumpkin spice lattes emerge from hibernation, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. Your daily input of H2O keeps your systems running smoothly, and your body hydrated. (HINT: your body is almost 60% water!) Some key benefits of drinking water are that it aids in digestion, regulates body temperature, keeps skin healthy, maintains blood pressure, and prevents kidney damage. If this isn’t enough for you, it may also lead to weight loss if replacing sugar-filled drinks.
But how much water should you be drinking? While experts have varying opinions, Health.com found that about 8 cups a day would be an excellent place to start. This can vary depending on height and weight, so it’s essential to listen to your body when making any dietary changes. Here are some great tips on hydration: https://www.health.com/mind-body/how-much-water-should-i-drink-a-day.
When drinking water, make sure to use a reusable water bottle. Using just one reusable bottle can save over 1,450 plastic water bottles per year (Arcadia Power).
Find New Ways to Exercise
As the temperature drops, it might be time to switch up your workout routine. The darker skies can lead to the winter blues or even seasonal depression. Exercising boosts endorphins, which instantly increase mood and happiness levels! While it’s important to go outside in the fall and winter months, exercising in the cold can be tough on joints and may lead to catching a cold. Opting for a workout inside might be a fun new challenge. And if you already workout inside, try something new!
Here at CardioCast we, of course, recommend trying an indoor cycling class or hop on the treadmill for an Indoor Interval Run or Walk & Jog. No equipment? No problem. Take a Bodyweight Boot Camp class for a heart-pumping, sweaty, cardio blast session.
Go Outside
Once the temperature drops, it can be hard to want to spend any time outside. However, spending all your time inside can actually do more harm than good. NBC News tells us that scientifically, going outside makes us healthier. Here are a few key reasons:
Sunlight can make you happier through boosting serotonin levels, which is what makes your mood improve. The sun can also boost your Vitamin D intake. Vitamin D is great for pretty much every part of your body, from bones to immune system and cardiovascular health. Going outside and being around nature can also improve mental health. Nature has a way of reducing stress and increasing peaceful and happy thoughts. So take a 10-minute walk a few times a week so that you can stay happy and healthy this fall! Our Outdoor Walk & Jog classes can give you a boost of positivity and serotonin.
Wash Your Hands
How many times do we have to be told to wash our hands?! Especially these days. Quite simply, washing your hands can prevent the spread of germs and bacteria that can lead to illnesses.
Throughout our day, we touch hundreds of items, many of them not as clean as you think. Since many of the dirtiest items are in your own home (sponges, door handles, phone), it’s important to clean regularly and wash your hands often. And of course, it’s more crucial than ever to remember to cover coughs and sneezes and clean your hands after. Do your part in reducing the spread of germs and keep yourself healthy.
Keep Your Skin Glowing & Fresh
Who doesn’t want healthy glowing skin year-round? Well, it can be harder to achieve in the fall and winter without proper care for the new seasons. The cold, breezy days can REALLY dehydrate your skin, here are some tips to keep your skin looking radiant all winter long:
Use gentle products: It’s critical to keep in mind your skin type when purchasing products, and your skin needs can change during the colder months. So, try to switch out any harsh cleansers or products that strip your skin of the healthy oils it needs in the winter
Exfoliate carefully: Exfoliation is a great way to remove dead skin cells that block pores, but depending on skin type, you may want to reduce your exfoliation in the winter. The cold and wind can irritate delicate facial skin, and harsh exfoliates (chemical or physical) can harm your skin.
Moisturize: Not only moisturize, but change your moisturizer to something that can combat dry winter skin. Here’s a great list of moisturizers that will keep your skin smooth all season long including products by Drunken Elefant, Clinique, and Derma E: https://www.byrdie.com/best-moisturizers-for-winter
Do you have any more tips to share? How do you warm-up and adapt to colder weather? Let us know in the comments.
