Autumn is a busy time of year; kids go back to or start school for the first time and the holiday season has ended. As we soak in the last of the sunshine and summer gives way to autumn, many of us may experience a dip in our mood. Soon we’ll have colder and darker days - this isn’t something we can change but we can lean into the cosy season. This autumn take stock of your lifestyle and consider making a few changes that will help you feel healthier, happier, and more rested.  

1. Improving your quality of sleep  

Did you know chronic lack of sleep has been linked to diabetes, obesity and depression, amongst other conditions. On average hours adults need 7 or more hours of sleep a night. Sleep is a restorative time, essential for healing and cognitive functioning. The quality of your sleep is equally important as the length of your sleep. If you spend your nights tossing and turning and perpetually wake up feeling exhausted - it may be wise to speak to your GP. They can help you improve your sleep patterns and establish good sleep hygiene techniques to help you get the restful sleep you need.  

2. Eating better  

What you eat has a profound effect on your overall health. Food is fuel, and what you put in is what you’ll get out. Understanding that is key to unlocking better eating habits and improving your health. Our bodies create vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors, however between October and early March we do not make enough vitamin D from sunlight. Vitamin D can be found in some foods and incorporating them into your diet will help make up for what you may lack in the coming months.  

Vitamin D-rich foods: 

• Oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel 
• Red meat 
• Liver 
• Egg yolks 
• Fortified foods – such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals 

3. Your mental health and wellbeing 

Tough times are inevitable and difficult situations can impact your mental health and wellbeing in many ways.  Experiencing mental health problems is more common than you might think. According to Mind, 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. No one should feel ashamed to ask for help, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. If you or a loved one are in need of support, it’s important to ask for help.