When we encounter seasonal changes every year, our bodies need more care. Adapting to new environmental factors like weather, temperature, daytime duration, etc., makes us vulnerable to infections. People often experience weaker immune function, particularly at the beginning of winter. The lower temperature slows the body’s response to harmful intruders, resulting in flu, colds, etc.
However, with some small interventions and care tips, you can have natural energy support toward optimal health. Let’s check out what counts as self-care during seasonal shifts.
Table of Contents
What is the Best Wellness Routine for Seasonal Transitions?
As our bodies’ needs change with the seasons, adjustments in health regimen lead to mental and physical well-being. Here is a list of seasonal wellness tips that will strengthen you against new environmental factors.
- Well-balanced Diet
The best way to tackle weak immune support during seasonal changes is to have a well-balanced diet. This diet should contain all food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, fats, and protein. By eating these portions, you get all the macronutrients and micronutrients required for optimal immune functioning.
Moreover, a healthy diet is also helpful in weight management and prevents obesity. Being obese also slows down the immune response to influenza infections, even if you are vaccinated. The chances of flu and cold are high in winter, so focus on healthy eating patterns to strengthen your natural defense. Also, avoid refined sugar and processed food as they adversely affect the immune response.
- Application of Wellness Patches
Seasonal affective disorder, or the winter blues, is quite common when the winter begins. Cold nights and low sunlight make you feel tired and depressed. To tackle this situation naturally, get your hands on some wellness patches for a calming effect.
A relaxing patch aids emotional well-being with ingredients like L-theanine, lemon balm, ashwagandha, valerian, etc. All these natural compounds have a soothing effect on the nervous system. When you stick the patch to the inner arm, these ingredients are absorbed into the skin naturally. Thus, you remain energetic, calm, and optimistic throughout the day.
3. Having Herbal Teas
Different herbal teas, as part of folk medicine, are effective in relieving mental and physical stress. Ginseng, Astragalus, Ashwagandha, and Eleuthero are common adaptogens for fall and spring. When you’re facing environmental changes, these herbal extracts give you more energy and emotional stability.
Choose any of these herbs based on the effects of seasonal shifts. Ginseng is highly effective for mood regulation if you face stress symptoms. Likewise, Ashwagandha acts as an antioxidant and strengthens your immune response. So, you can have it during infections or as a precaution.
4. Maintaining Good Sleep Hygiene
When winter begins, people often experience poor sleep or frequent sleep awakenings. The melatonin hormone, responsible for the sleep-wake cycle, is primarily regulated by light fluctuations. Our bodies produce more melatonin at night when there’s darkness. Contrarily, during the day, melatonin levels remain low, keeping us active.
Changes in day and night duration during the seasonal transitions disturb these hormone levels, causing sleep issues. To overcome them, a regular sleep routine works. For this purpose, go to bed at the same time every day, even on weekends. Make sure there is darkness or dim lights in the bedroom. Moreover, expose yourself to bright light during the day to feel energetic.
5. Optimal Skincare Regimen
Skin issues like dryness, sensitivity, and acne are common during the summer-to-autumn seasonal changes. Changes in humidity and temperature are significant factors behind these challenges. However, you can have glowing skin all year by regularly following essential skincare tips like cleansing, exfoliating, toning, etc.
During seasonal transitions, adjust your care practices according to the weather. For example, in winter, emphasize proper hydration with moisturizers as there is low humidity. In the summer, focus on regular exfoliation and cleansing to prevent pore congestion.
Bottom Line
Seasonal shifts and weaker immunity go hand in hand. With precautions and care, you can minimize the adverse effects of new environmental conditions. All the above-mentioned self-care tips are easy to follow and enable you to address new body needs.
