Autumn is a beautiful season. Things start cooling down from the hot muggy days of summer, and the changing colors can be simply stunning.

With the changing season, many of us also have a shift in routine. The shorter days, colder temperatures, and the start of a new school year can throw us off balance, resulting in some potentially unhealthy side effects.

To help you and your family stay healthy this autumn, here are a few tips:

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is helpful on so many levels, but one of the best things is how it regulates our hormone levels. A sudden shortfall in sleep can leave you feeling stressed, exhausted, and unmotivated. On the other hand, if you make sure to get enough sleep, then you can adjust to the changing routine of autumn much easier.

Get Outside

Summer was chock full of fun outdoor activities. Don’t lock yourself in for the winter just yet—get out and enjoy the mild autumn weather as much as you can. Take your family on a hike to admire the fall foliage, or rake leaves and have your kids jump in the pile.

Be Cautious of Cold-Weather Comfort Food

The holiday season is just around the corner, and you’re going to have your work cut out for you trying to stick to healthy and nutritious food choices. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying cold-weather comfort food every so often, be cautious about over consuming holiday treats.

Adjust your Exercise Routine

It will be more difficult to find opportunities to exercise once the nights get longer and the weather gets colder. Try not to let your exercise routine suffer—maybe go to the gym more often, or run during different times of the day. Find a routine that works for you that you can stick with through winter and spring.

Drink Coffee

It can be difficult to wake up ready for the day if the sun isn’t even up yet. Thankfully, coffee can help your body adjust to the changing season, and there are many proven health benefits to having a regular cup of Joe. In addition to helping you be more alert, coffee may reduce your risks of diabetes, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s diseases. 

Just avoid coffee too close to bedtime; the caffeine may make it difficult to fall asleep.

So get out and enjoy autumn in the healthiest way you can!