Autumn started at the end of September. Time to prepare ourselves properly for the upcoming cold, wet and short days. The very ingredients for an autumn dip. A phenomenon that affects more than half of the Dutch population. If you want to avoid an autumn dip, staying active and exercising is very important. In this blog, we share some tips to stay ahead of your autumn dip.
What is an autumn dip?
As the name suggests, you enter a dip in the autumn season. Some people are more susceptible to this than others. It has to do with our biological clock. This clock is located in our brain and is affected by light. We call this the day-night rhythm in which the sleep hormone melatonin also plays an important role. This substance is produced as soon as it gets dark. Daylight stops its production again. The more melatonin you produce, the sleepier you feel. So as soon as it gets dark earlier, our mood is also affected. This can possibly lead to stress, a sleep disorder, lethargy or low energy.
Tip 1. Provide (daylight) as early as possible
Daylight plays an important role in our moods and affects our energy levels. You need it to stay cheerful and healthy. Want to avoid that autumn dip? Then make sure it is light in your home and if the sun shines try to sit in it for 10 minutes a day. This is because through daylight we produce hormones and important vitamins. Do not stay indoors continuously, even if it is cold outside. Fresh air improves resistance. So open your curtains in the morning, dress warmly and go outside.
Tip 2. Enjoy the outside world
Now that we now know that daylight is good for health, the outdoors also works wonders. If you work in an office all day, take a small walk during your lunch break and cycle to work. This will be a bit more laborious compared to summer, but with the right clothes, autumn is a wonderful season to enjoy outdoors. So get out there, go outside and get some fresh air, even if it is wet and cold. This reduces the chances of an autumn dip.
Tip 3. Establish a day-night rhythm
Rhythm is important for everyone. Do you have work with irregular hours? Then you are not going to feel better the moment you wake up in the dark either. Therefore, invest in a wake-up light. This creates the illusion of waking you up with daylight. This will help you get out of bed more easily and it will bring more peace to your mind, helping you to control those negative feelings.
Tip 4. Keep exercising
By now we know that going outside is good for your health. Exercising gives that extra push to keep you healthy. It gives you a good mood and an energy boost! Exercising makes you produce endorphins. This creates a euphoric feeling and makes the world around you a lot nicer! An endurance sport like running is effective for endorphin production.
Tip 5: Extra vitamins
Besides exercise, vitamins are also key players in preventing an autumn dip. They have the power to support your immunity. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with sleep problems, joint pains, low immunity and depression. Vitamin D deficiency can come from lack of sunlight. A good multivitamin and vitamins such as C, B and D3 can reduce stress, improve sleep and fitness. Do get proper advice on what suits you best.
Physiotherapy for an autumn dip
During an autumn dip, daily life can all be too much for a while and you may not get enough sleep. Specialised physiotherapy can help with this. For instance, psychosomatic therapy/relaxation therapy can help address stress, sleep problems or hyperventilation. Do you want to take up sports or have you just been injured while playing outdoor sports? Then (sports) physiotherapy help to get you active again.
Do you notice that you suffer from the above symptoms or need help and guidance with exercise?
Then we are here for you! By contact contact FriskFysio to schedule an appointment, you have already taken the first step towards a healthier future. You can also contact us by calling 085-5000333 or sending an email to info@friskfysio.nl.
Keyword: autumn dip
Meta: An autumn dip has to do with several.
tags: physiotherapy, physio, physiotherapist, autumn dip, vitamin, exercise, exercise, tips, autumn, wet, cold, autumn weather, autumn walk, running, endurance running, endurance sport, cycling, sunlight, going outside, outdoors, psychosomatic, psychosomatic physiotherapy, stress, burnout, blues
