Autumn Reset: Healthy Habits Worth Starting Before the Festive Rush
Autumn Reset: As you set your clocks back and the nights draw in, it’s easy to see how your day can become unbalanced. Heavier mornings can be a struggle to work out, comfort foods can take up residence on your dinner plate and the festive season is already making an appearance. Yet, for some, autumn is actually the perfect time of year to get back to it.
Since it launched the annual Stoptober campaign, October has been the most popular month to give up smoking, and the seasons provide all kinds of other good excuses to do it. Breathing is easier, exercise less tiresome and the money saved can be spent on something much more pleasurable. If you’re going to be giving up smoking, stop smoking aids such as nicotine patches, gum, lozenges and sprays can make it easier to hold out against cravings while you settle in to new habits. Your pharmacist can give you more information about how each one works and which will be most suitable.
Smoking is one element of an autumn reset of health, however. Just a couple of strategic change in habits can keep people on track throughout the winter.
Why Autumn Suits a Fresh Start
That back-to-school feeling can last well into October. Diaries are being topped up, routines restored and there’s a natural curiosity about getting things in order. By starting something new now, you can give it two months to get underway before those very hectic weeks in December.
It’s not easy to keep up new habits. Just selecting one or two achievable goals is often more effective than making a long list. One walk a week, early nights, a home-cooked meal – these can be added to little by little, with each success making the next step easier.
Putting your goals in black and white and discussing them with a friend or family member adds some accountability. Checking in with yourself weekly (even by text message) can be all that you need to keep going when you don’t really want to.
Nourish yourself by eating seasonally
Autumn’s harvest is perfect for wholesome eating. If you want to make the most of the season, you could try squash, pumpkin, beetroot, parsnips, apples and pears for warming soups, roasting vegetables, and quick, easy stews. Batch cooking and freezing portions so you always have a healthy home-cooked meal to hand.
Satisfying and filling scrans are also great at reducing the desire for biscuits and takeaways. The more colour, wholegrains and pulses there is on the plate, the less that energy levels will dip in the arvo, especially when the days are short.
Cold weather hydration can be overlooked just because you are less likely to want a glass of water than you are in July. Hot drinks, including herbal teas, hot water with lemon or broth all count as hydration and are much more enjoyable on a cold winter’s day.
Maintaining Your Activity Level as the Days Grow Shorter
Exercise motivation tends to wanes as the nights get colder. Planning in advance can make all the difference: book in that class, find a mate to walk with or dedicate five minutes a day at home to a quick workout. A decent waterproof and head torch or reflective gear will keep you outdoors for longer.
Lunchtime strollers are worth their weight in gold-13 minutes of fresh air and sunshine makes a difference to your spirits, and can easily dispel a sedentary morning. Those who have given up smoking may notice improvements within days, walking, and climbing stairs may suddenly seem much more manageable.
Protecting Sleep and Mood
Longer nights can have an impact on well-being, and some people will feel their activity and emotional well-being reducing as winter progresses. Early morning exposure to light, opening your curtains promptly and maintaining regular sleeping and waking times can all be helpful. Brighter mornings and dimmer, warmer evenings throughout the winter complements our natural body clocks.
The advantages of stopping smoking for rest may eventually become apparent as well. Nicotine is a stimulant and can interfere with rest. You might experience cravings at night in the initial days without the use of cigarettes so coming up with a strategy such as having a herbal tea, reading a book or a few minutes of deep breathing can be helpful.
Planning Ahead for the Festive Season
Long, feast-filled days, family feuds, Christmas drinks parties – it can all be a real test of your willpower. But forewarned is forearmed and planning ahead for possible pitfalls can make all the difference. How much to drink, whether to stretch your legs on Boxing Day and having some nourishing nibbles handy can make it so much easier.
If you’ve successfully quit smoking, social events can present certain temptations. Prepare a quick response, stick with friends who are supportive and step outside to enjoy some fresh air rather than a cigarette.
It is also the time of year that money can be tight. Everyone has to find the funds to pay for Christmas and the savings made by many non-smokers can make a significant contribution. Using the money saved for presents or seasonal treats is likely to make this new activity very tangible.
Sustaining Momentum Throughout Winter
Things don’t tend to happen straight away and a few speed bumps in the road aren’t an excuse to stop. Taking stock of what’s going well every few weeks, recognising little wins and reaching out to your GP, pharmacist or local NHS service can keep you going.
The habits we began this fall are likely to take hold by the time spring rolls around. With some forethought and much perseverance, this may be the winter of long-lasting growth.
