Positive autumn habits

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I really want to feel better in myself. Work is quite stressful, well I’m putting stress on myself half the time which leaves me feeling low on energy and half the time like I’m coming down with another bug of some sorts.

Now we are into autumn and there will be more colds etc in general I want to get fitter / healthier / be a more positive version of me!

For those of you feeling in a good place at the moment and who manage to avoid a cold every 5 minutes can you tell me your secret / top tips?

One good walk a day, no matter the weather. Embrace it.

Wear a mask lol wash your hands lol.
I got more colds when we all starting breathing everywhere again.

Take a Vitamin D tablet.

I wouldn’t mind wearing a mask but it seems literally no one does now and I know it’s silly but I don’t want odd looks!! I really want to try and boost my immune system

Home made vegetable soup. It’s really easy to make, tasty and good for you, gets another couple of helpings of vegetables into you to boost your immune system.

I usually prepare it when I am making dinner ready for the next days lunch. Doing it that way doesn’t seem to take any extra time as you are already in the kitchen using knifes chopping board etc.

Take vitamins, and try and get plenty sleep. If you do start feeling rough, often an early night and getting lots of rest in the day will help you shake it off.

Autumn and winter is soup cooking season. Really versatile and a nice relaxing activity because it’s so easy - and it packs a big vitamin punch if you’re doing lots of veggie ones.

Which vitamins do you think help the most? I really want to cook some soups this year, do you find a blender works best?

I have a stick blender which I mainly use for soups - and sometimes for de-lumping sauces (I'm not a good cook!)

Which vitamins do you think help the most? I really want to cook some soups this year, do you find a blender works best?

Just a stick blender. I’ve had mine for years, I’m sure it cost less than a tenner.

Go for a walk on my lunch break every day to clear my head.
Good sleep hygiene.
Read when I get the chance.
Meditate with candles lit.
Listen to my body.

Yes wear a mask more inside.

Vitamin D tablet daily. Zinc and vit C.

Smile every day. Remember if you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.

I have a bit of a daily checklist to try and tick all the things that I need to do for my mental/physical health…

Take a multivitamin
Move my body/exercise in some form
Go outside for a walk in the morning
Start each meal with veg
Make sure each meal has some form of protein
Go to bed before 10

I’m far from perfect but it helps me feel more in control of life with a full time job and two tiny kids. A habit tracker may help you?

I’m really into lists , years ago used to have one in my bullet journal and haven’t done it since…. You have inspired me, I’m going to start a habit tracker ✅

Hand sanitiser. Decent multivitamin. My nan swore by vicks first defense.

I'll add regular sinus irrigation but no one ever likes that suggestion!

Go and look for conkers - to fend off spiders.

I'm not sure they deter spiders but you can always throw them at them.

😂😂

Following this and liking all the ideas. I'm trying to walk and eat healthily. I have loads of spiders- do conkers deter them?

Yes apparently, I don't think they can hold the string properly and so tend to go away disgruntled rather than risk losing the game.

We've always mixed a lot - family work in school, health care, and with general public, so get close up with most people. These days cold seem to be rare or fleeting.
We don't do anything special or take any precautions, but keeping active, getting out and about, and chatting to lots of people, seems to keep us positive and upbeat. (Glass of wine and rubbish TV to relax is also good!)
I'm interested in how you are linking mental and physical health. I think you have a point. Certainly if we are ever anxious or stressed, we are way more likely to become unwell.

@TwoLeftSocksWithHoles 😂

I don't know that i can avoid all the bugs that go around, but I've maintained the handwashing lessons of covid - i used to think nothing of getting on busses and eating something, walking through an the doors at work and then eating a sandwich. Never again. I also use hand sanitiser still, keep it in my bag. And there are still occasions when I'll wear a mask, i know what to mean about feeling a little awkward about it, but I've so enjoyed being well and want to stay that way. I also go to bed early, eat good quality mostly home cooked foodand don't stress my body with too much caffeine and alcohol.

@TwoLeftSocksWithHoles you've made my night 😂😂😂

Walk five miles a day.
Fast two days a week.
Eat healthily on the other days.
Get enough sleep.

It all starts with sleep for me - try to keep a regular sleep/wake time (even on weekends)

Lots of fruit/veg/unprocessed foods (soup /stews are perfect)

Walk outside in the daytime (preferably lunchtime) - it’s a good stress reliever in the working day/time to think

A gentle workout to start the day (eg HIIT or something you like)

Relaxing for an hour or so before bed - TV, bath, whatever

Handwashing/masks/vitamins esp D because of Covid

Making time for enjoyable things - eg social plans, an outing, a special meal - whatever you enjoy, and ideally half a day of ‘downtime’ at the weekends: this is especially important in the winter I find