Get a Jump on Putting Fall Behind You

By Sara Butler

The first day of autumn has come and gone. Are you sad to see summer go? If so, you’re in good company because many people struggle with getting back into a routine after summer says goodbye. While you may be looking forward to cool, crisp days in sweaters, pumpkin pie, and apple cider, you should spend a little time thinking through how to be less sedentary once the weather changes. Here are a few suggestions from the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic to help you transition seamlessly from one season to the next.

Look Forward

One of the worst things about the chillier fall temperatures is getting out of bed in the morning. Who wants to leave their nice, warm, snuggly bed when it’s cold out? The key that makes getting out of bed a little easier is to give yourself something to look forward to.

Think about what you can make yourself for breakfast to help motivate you. Think about a pumpkin smoothie recipe or an overnight oats recipe that can be a literal or figurative carrot on a string to lure you out from under the covers. Food, especially delicious food, can be a fantastic motivator.

Make Your Surroundings Cheerful

Dragging yourself into work when the sun hasn’t quite broken the horizon can be difficult but there is an easy fix to that: Spruce up your office! You may be surprised by what a cute little desk lamp or new plant can do. Studies have found that adding small touches such as plants to your office can boost your productivity as well as your happiness. Yes, you can literally spruce up your office with a potted juniper bush or yew.

Get Up

If you sit in an office for most of your day, then it’s crucial to make time to get up. Studies have found that sitting for eight hours or more per day can increase your risk of chronic illness such as heart disease or diabetes. About once each hour, take a few minutes to get up from your chair, stretch, and move around. Walk to the restroom or water fountain -- whatever you need to do in order to move a bit before settling back down to get your work done.

You may want to think about getting a standing desk, too. You may be surprised by how much of an impact such a small change can have to your overall health and wellness.

Don’t Eat at Your Desk

How many times each week do you sit at your desk to eat your lunch? If it’s a habit for you, then it’s a habit you need to work to break. Remember, your lunch is supposed to be time away from work for you to nourish your body as well as your mind. Take advantage of the breezy, cooler temperatures outdoors and take your lunch outside. Enjoy your lunch and take in the fresh air so you can feel renewed and ready to tackle the rest of your workday.

Make Time for a Social Life

Over the summer you may feel as if you had your fill of cookouts and block parties, but be mindful of how much time you’re spending with others as winter approaches. It’s easy to spend more time alone as the days get shorter and the weather becomes worse and social interactions are vital to your mental health.

In fact, forming friendships and nurturing them helps to reduce your risk of high blood pressure and depression, so meet with friends after work and on weekends in order to keep investing in your health.

Soon the dull days of winter will be upon us, which is why there’s no time like the present to start making healthy choices a habit to help you power through until spring rolls around.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.