Fall – a time for apple-picking and breath-taking foliage. It’s also the season where a lot of us feel our energy levels drop as the sun sets earlier and earlier. Here are a few tips to get through fall relatively painlessly!
1- Go play outside
The days are getting shorter, and sunlight is increasingly precious. Dress warmly and seize every opportunity to get outside, breathe some fresh air and soak up the sunshine. Even if you only have time for a quick walk, regular physical exercise does wonders to help ward off seasonal depression.
Fall is also the perfect season for hiking and admiring the colourful scenery. If you are heading out into the woods, remember to bring these 10 essential items. Of course, this list can vary depending on where you are going.
- Knife – including a locking blade, corkscrew, saw, screwdriver and tweezers
- Fire-making supplies – a lighter, fire starter (can be homemade), candle, piece of pitch wood
- Whistle – one that is shrill, works in cold and wet conditions, and will penetrate upwind through a storm
- Navigation aids – a quality compass and map of the area
- Sun protection – sunblock, lip balm, sunglasses and a hat
- First aid kit – suggested kit contents
- Emergency food and water – energy bars, dried fruit, filtered water
- Emergency clothing – synthetic fabrics (such as pile) or wool, a toque
- Light – a headlamp or flashlight (make sure the batteries are working!)
- Shelter – a space blanket with a rope attached to each corner
2 . Watch out for viruses
Don’t “fall” into flu season unprepared! Fall comes with its fair share of viruses, including colds, flu and gastroenteritis, to which you may be more susceptible if your immune system has been weakened by the changing temperatures or for another reason.
Here are a few golden rules to keep viruses at bay (you might come across as a germaphobe, but you’ll be a bit safer!):
- Wash your hands often, using plenty of soap and warm water. Germs can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often throughout the day.
- Disinfect common surfaces in your home, such as doorknobs and light switches. At work, disinfect items such as your keyboard and phone.
- Cover your mouth when you cough, and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.
- Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth to keep germs out of your body.
- If you get sick, stay home. This will prevent the spread of germs to your colleagues and anyone else you may run into throughout your day.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about the annual flu shot and whether it would be a good solution for you and your family.
3. Hibernate
If you’re like me and are a busy bee all summer long to avoid missing out on anything, fall is the ideal time to hibernate.
Try to go to bed earlier, catch up on your reading and get into this season’s new TV shows. And if you have the luxury of sleeping in once or twice a week, enjoy it for all of those who have young children.
Be prepared for any emergency: don’t forget to download our First Aid app so you always have useful tips and resources at your fingertips.
