Seasonal Changes on the Body Our busy lives undergo frequent interruptions in routine causing both short and long term implications. Keeping to a “health and fitness” routine when your life is in flux can be stressful… but is staying healthy due to stressing lifestyle circumstances, to your mindset or to something else? ‘Something else’ is a little known or recognized problem of ‘how seasonal changes impact on our bodies’. Over millions of years of evolution, nature has provided the adaptation necessary for all species, both externally and internally, for survival. Animals hibernate, grow extra heavy fur, instinctively know where to migrate to for food or warmth, etc. Dietary needs change with the seasons also. Humans are no longer guided by the seasons but we still have alterations happening within us. Two major chemical changes happen during the year – autumn for winter and spring for summer. Mood, attitude and energy levels vary greatly; as will your food choices, activities and sleep patterns. SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder primarily occurs during the winter months. These naturally occurring changes can be combated with awareness and diligence, thereby reducing the chemical influences. A single change alone is unlikely to make a difference, so incorporate all those listed below to keep yourself in balance. • Dress in Layers - to hot or too cold increases food intake. • Add an hour to your winter night’s sleep but get up at the same time daily. • Put lights on a timer to come on for 30 minutes before you wake. • Get some sunshine! Vitamin D from the sun is better than any pill & it improves your mood. Use a supplement if unable to get much sun regularly. • ‘Me Time’ is not selfish, it is crucial so plan 30 minutes daily. • Our bodies naturally want more food. It is vital to fuel our bodies well but appropriately. Eat every two to four hours, adding a bit more protein or more low GI carbs; your satisfaction level will be maintained and so will your waistline. • Fluid intake is a challenge. For coffees, teas and hot chocolates go for sugar free and Lite Milk. Use broth or soups as part of your lunch or dinner. Flavor hot water with lemon or other great fruits. • Activity decreases. Get 30 minutes of exercise per day if possible. Commit to resistance training twice a week and cardio twice a week. You will improve your metabolism, hormone balance and decrease chemical seasonal response.
Posted on: Mon, 19 Aug 2013 06:56:41 +0000