As we settle into October, it is tempting to close the windows, turn on the heat, and hunker down with a snack and the next football game. And while there is nothing wrong with getting cozy and watching the leaves fall through the windows, don't forget that there is still time to get outside and breathe before the deep freeze sets in!
There are lots of reasons that we tend to experience more sniffles and coughs during this time of year, but one important reason is our tendency to shut out the fresh air. We close ourselves in with our germs and the germs of our coworkers and classmates, the heated air forced through winding duct work, and we start to move around a little less. The days get shorter and our time gets busier and the lazy days of flip flops in the sun become wistful memories.
But there is still time to get out and get moving! Autumn is a great time for walks in the leaves, hikes in the woods, a bit of late garden trimming, apple picking, and getting out to breathe the crisp and cool air. Try to set a little time aside for yourself, grab a jacket and some warm socks, and catch those gentle slanting rays of sunlight. Even just twenty or thirty minutes of walking and breathing the cooler air may increase your blood flow enough to enhance white blood cell function and immunity. Cleanse your lungs of their indoor pollutants and let your nose run a little to push out those pesky germs. A little more direct exposure to the sun will keep those vitamin D levels from dropping off so quickly too, good for both mood and immunity!
So jump off the couch during halftime, or slip on some sneakers after work, and get outside!
There are lots of reasons that we tend to experience more sniffles and coughs during this time of year, but one important reason is our tendency to shut out the fresh air. We close ourselves in with our germs and the germs of our coworkers and classmates, the heated air forced through winding duct work, and we start to move around a little less. The days get shorter and our time gets busier and the lazy days of flip flops in the sun become wistful memories.
But there is still time to get out and get moving! Autumn is a great time for walks in the leaves, hikes in the woods, a bit of late garden trimming, apple picking, and getting out to breathe the crisp and cool air. Try to set a little time aside for yourself, grab a jacket and some warm socks, and catch those gentle slanting rays of sunlight. Even just twenty or thirty minutes of walking and breathing the cooler air may increase your blood flow enough to enhance white blood cell function and immunity. Cleanse your lungs of their indoor pollutants and let your nose run a little to push out those pesky germs. A little more direct exposure to the sun will keep those vitamin D levels from dropping off so quickly too, good for both mood and immunity!
So jump off the couch during halftime, or slip on some sneakers after work, and get outside!
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