Page 16 - September 2020 Track N Times

HUMAN RESOURCES

How Fall Can Help You in Your Health Journey ??

Apple picking, corn mazes, cooler weather, piles of colorful leaves—fall is
a magical time of year. Now is a great time to adopt healthy habits like
exercising and eating right, and as a bonus- autumn eats and activities
may actually be good for your physical AND mental health.

Cool, crisp weather is great for outdoor exercise
The cooler temperatures of autumn make for enjoyable outdoor exer-
cise – almost any type of workout can be done in your yard or at a local
park.

In addition to the benefits of your workout, enjoying your fitness outdoors—aka “green exercise”—can also im-
prove your mood, lower your risk of depression, and even boost your self-esteem.
If you’re not ready to commit to outdoor workouts, you can still reap the mental health benefits (and burn some
calories) by taking a 15-minute stroll around the neighborhood or working in the garden.

Fall colors can actually boost your mood
Rich reds, vibrant oranges, warm yellows—the colors of fall may be more than beautiful, they may have some men-
tal health benefits, too.
The color yellow is often thought to convey energy, enthusiasm, fun, cheerfulness and a positive emotional state.
Red may help improve your attention span and boost your confidence.

In-season fruits and veggies are in abundance
Savor the flavors of fall and add these seasonal fruits and veggies to your grocery list:

• Pumpkin: Loaded with fiber, vitamin A, potassium and vitamin C, eat-
ing pumpkin can help regulate digestion, boost your immune system
and improve your eye health.
• Sweet potatoes: A low glycemic index can help keep your blood sug-
ar levels in check.
• Apples: Packed with fiber and vitamin C, this fruit can help regulate
blood sugar levels and bowel health, and keep you feeling fuller, longer.
• Butternut squash: Filled with fiber, vitamin A, folate and antioxi-
dants, this fruit may help reduce inflammation and lower your risk of
heart disease.

Focus on your health again

While summer is great for being active outdoors, the irregular
rhythms of the season sometimes throw off your usual health routine.
(Think spontaneous road trips and weekend BBQs.) Now that fall is
almost here, you can use it to re-boot your health routine – or start a
new health habit:
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