5 Health Benefits of the Fall Season
Written by: Kat Sarmiento
From college football to pumpkin spice lattes, fall is surely a season to fall in love with because of its seasonal perks. There are just so many things to look forward to–enjoy a warm cup of pumpkin spiced tea, cozy sweater weather, and vibrant foliage scenery.
Interestingly, aside from the excitement that fall brings, you can also find several health benefits brought by this season. Let’s read on!
Fall season’s health perks
1. Seasonal eats
As temperatures continue to drop, in-season superfoods and spices also come out to fuel you through the sweater weather and help you reap the season's health benefits. They are not only palatable but also nutritious.
Such food and spices include pumpkins, squashes, persimmons, and vitamin- and fiber-rich starchy vegetables. These promote healthy digestion on top of their respective benefits. In addition, apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, pears, and Brussel sprouts are also commonly sighted during this season.
2. Physical activities
Hot and humid weather sometimes keeps people inside their homes. But with cooler temperatures, physical activities just seem exciting–may they be in the form of traditional fall-themed activities like pick-up football games and apple picking or exercising to burn more calories.
If you have not yet built the habit of regularly doing physical activities, the pleasant outdoor environment during fall might just be the right springboard for your fitness journey.
3. More quality sleep
Another health advantage during fall is getting a body repair boost as you experience better sleep. During fall, the sun typically rises later while sunset comes earlier every single day. As our circadian rhythms adjust concurrently, our bodies are prompted to sleep more.
Another factor for better sleep during fall is lower temperatures. Rising amounts of the hormone melatonin are released as your body cools. The release of this hormone helps you prepare for slumber and get a good night’s sleep.
Sleeping enables our bodies to rest and recharge physically and mentally. Per various studies, good quality sleep is linked to the reduction of heart disease and obesity risks.
4. Mental well-being
Common fall spices and food like cinnamon, apple crisp, and pumpkin lattes have something in common - they effuse scents that may be good for your health. they give off scents that might be good for your health. According to studies, nutmeg can help you feel more relaxed while cinnamon may help boost cognitive function.
Aside from scents, fall’s colours also promote mental well-being. When feeling down, it’s always a good idea to step outside, sigh in relief, and savour the beauty of vividly brown trees. Aside from a dose of Vitamin D for some serotonin boost, the sight of bright brown leaves can dramatically and quickly boost your mood.
5. Cozy self-care time
Picture this: It’s a cold night. You see frost on your window glass. You can smell the aroma of your pumpkin spice latte. These moments enable you to revel in the warmth and bliss of the season. In such times, is there anything better than snuggling up under your blanket (alone or maybe with your loved ones!), engaging in meaningful catch-ups over coffee, or watching a nice film together? The chillier fall weather often allows for more time indoors to indulge in some nurturing self-care time.
