Life tends to change when we enter a new season. Routines need to be adjusted, the days can seem longer or shorter, and, depending on where you live, the weather can shift. Our bodies feel these seasonal changes more than we realize. The move from summer to fall can be particularly dramatic, so it’s important to follow a few simple steps to help our bodies better adjust to the new season.

Make small changes to your routine

It’s inevitable that your routine will change in some way when a new season begins. Fall means the start of a new school year, prepping for the upcoming holidays, and generally having fewer usable daylight hours. But one important way you can help your body adjust to the new season is to make small changes to your daily routine rather than completely overhauling it. For example, if you tend to exercise early in the morning, you should continue doing it, but you just might need to wake up thirty minutes earlier to make the most of the daylight. And if you take a post-dinner walk, consider changing to an afternoon or pre-dinner walk instead. Whatever the case, your body will thank you for sticking as close to your usual routine as possible.

Embrace the changing weather

Weather changes are unavoidable, so to help your body adjust to a new temperature, make sure that you dress accordingly. Fall might require you to add a layer or two to keep your body warm from the often-colder weather. You’ll want to properly insulate yourself against the cold to keep you feeling as healthy as possible. However, even if it is colder, continue to spend as much time outside as possible. You still need the fresh air and sun that provide great benefits to your physical and mental health.

Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables

It’s important to eat what’s in season for a couple of different reasons. First, buying what’s in season is typically cheaper since there’s more of the crop available, so it’s a good way to save money. Next, what’s in season will typically correspond to what your body needs in that season. For example, citrus fruits and dark, leafy greens like chard are harvested in the winter months and will provide you with much needed vitamin C and vitamin D to help keep your body healthy. So take note of what’s in season this fall and see how you can incorporate it into your diet. In season fruits and vegetables will also generally taste better and contain more nutrients since they haven’t been stored for a long time.

Be sure to sleep enough

When you’re asleep, your body undergoes a process of cell repair. And if you’re not getting an adequate amount of sleep, your body isn’t able to fully recover. Therefore, it’s essential that you get the recommended seven hours per night all year long, but especially when the season is changing. Your body is already going through enough work to adjust, you don’t want to deprive it of its nightly recovery and make yourself more susceptible to sickness.

New seasons bring new adventures, so be sure to take care of your body as we enter the fall so that you can better enjoy what’s ahead