The Changing Seasons: How Autumn Affects Your Body and How to Stay Well

As we transition into Autumn, we welcome crisp air, colourful foliage, and cozy nights. However, alongside these seasonal delights, our bodies undergo changes in response to cooler temperatures and shorter days. From joint stiffness to mood fluctuations, Autumn can bring new challenges to our health. Understanding these effects and implementing proactive strategies can help us stay energised, pain-free, and emotionally balanced as the season shifts.

With the drop in temperature, many people notice increased joint stiffness and discomfort. This is because synovial fluid—the lubricant within our joints—becomes more viscous (thicker) in the cold, making movement less fluid and exacerbating conditions like arthritis.

Solutions for Joint Health

Trio of Relief Creams: Our Kirofix® Injury Relief Lotion, Bone Aid Relief Cream, and Heativate® Relief Cream work synergistically to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility.

Therapeutic Ultrasound: This non-invasive therapy helps to promote circulation and reduce pain by stimulating deep tissues and encouraging healing on a cellular level.

Stay Warm & Mobile: Layer up in warm clothing, especially around the joints, and engage in gentle movement throughout the day to keep joints limber.

Colder weather causes blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure and thickening the blood. This raises the risk of cardiovascular events, particularly for those with pre-existing heart conditions.

Support for Heart Health

Hydration & Nutrition: Staying hydrated prevents blood from thickening, while nutrient-dense foods help keep blood pressure stable.

PlantEm Detox & Anti-Inflammatory Whole Food Supplements: These formulas provide essential nutrients that support heart health, reduce inflammation, increase the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood and allow for flexibility of the blood vessels assisting with blood pressure normalisation.

Regular Movement: Gentle exercise, like stretching or short walks, can help maintain circulation and reduce cardiovascular strain.

The cold, dry air can irritate the respiratory tract, making us more susceptible to congestion, colds, and even seasonal allergies.

Respiratory Support

Sinus & Hay Fever Aromatherapy Range: Our essential oil blends help clear nasal passages, reduce inflammation, and support the respiratory epithelium’s defence against airborne irritants.

Humidifiers & Steam Therapy: Keeping indoor air moist can prevent nasal dryness and irritation.

Breathing Exercises: Simple diaphragmatic breathing techniques can strengthen the lungs and promote better oxygen exchange.  Allow the abdomen to relax, rather than expanding the ribcage. 

Keep Circulation Strong & Muscles Relaxed

Cold temperatures can tighten muscles and reduce circulation, leading to stiffness and discomfort. Keeping blood flowing to all muscles and joints is key.

Effective Circulation Boosters

Heativate® Relief Cream: A warming formula that stimulates circulation and provides deep relief for tired muscles.

Acupressure Mat & Pillow: Laying on, or standing on the mat, can help enhance blood flow, alleviate muscle tension, and support recovery after long days.

Massage & Warm Baths: Regular massages or a soak in a warm SOulSoak bath which include healing essential oils and over 80 essential elements and minerals, can enhance circulation and relax muscles.

Stay Active Indoors

Shorter days and cooler weather can reduce motivation to exercise outdoors. However, staying active is essential for maintaining joint health, circulation, and overall well-being.

Indoor Exercise Made Easy

Les Mills On Demand (LMOD): This app offers a huge variety of virtual workouts, including strength training, cardio, stretching, yoga, cycling and much more.  The best thing about this app is how the workouts are easy to follow along, catering to different fitness levels and are varied in length, to fit easily into anybody’s lifestyle.  This was a favourite of ours during lockdown as has continued to form the basis of the majority of our workouts ever since.

Stretching & Yoga: Regular stretching prevents stiffness and improves flexibility, making movement more comfortable.

Daily Movement Goals: Even simple activities like walking around the house or taking the stairs can make a difference.

The Impact of Shorter Days: Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

As daylight hours decrease, many people experience a shift in mood, energy levels, and sleep patterns. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs in response to reduced sunlight exposure.

Reduced Sunlight Exposure: Less daylight leads to lower production of serotonin (the “feel-good” neurotransmitter) and increased melatonin (the sleep hormone), contributing to feelings of sluggishness and low mood.

Vitamin D Deficiency: Sunlight is a key source of vitamin D, and as exposure decreases, deficiencies can lead to fatigue and mood imbalances. Autumn and Winter aren’t the only cause of Vitamin D deficiency, to find out more about this essential Vitamin check out our blog dedicated to Vitamin D here.

Disrupted Circadian Rhythms: The body’s internal clock relies on natural light cues, and shorter days can throw off sleep-wake cycles, exacerbating symptoms.

Maximise Natural Light Exposure

Get outside whenever possible, particularly in the morning.

Keep curtains open and let in as much natural light as possible at home and in the workplace.

Boost Vitamin D Levels

Oral Vitamin D Supplementation: Taking vitamin D daily can help maintain healthy mood and energy levels.

Include vitamin D-rich foods in your diet, such as mushrooms, fortified plant-based milks, and fatty fish (if not strictly plant-based).

Stay Socially Engaged

Make plans with friends and family to stay connected and avoid isolation.

Participate in group activities or online communities to maintain a sense of belonging.

 

We understand how impactful SAD can be, and we are working on a new product designed to support your well-being during the darker months. Stay tuned for a natural, effective way to help combat seasonal mood changes.

Although Autumn brings changes that can impact our bodies and minds, proactive self-care can help us transition smoothly into the season. By prioritising joint health, supporting circulation, staying active, and addressing the challenges of shorter days, we can enjoy all that Autumn has to offer while maintaining optimal health and vitality.

Stay warm, stay active, and keep an eye out for exciting new health solutions to make this year your best one yet!