September is a month of transition.
We leave the holidays behind, return to our usual schedules, go back to work or study and, little by little, the days begin to change. Temperatures change too, and we spend more time indoors.
After a few weeks of doing things differently, returning to our usual routine can seem difficult. However, there is no need to change everything at once. Gradually getting back to small habits can be a simple way to start taking care of ourselves again and maintain them over the following months.
September: back to healthy habits, without rushing
During the summer, it is common for sleep schedules to change, to eat out more often, travel or cut back on some of the routines we maintain during the rest of the year.
September can be a good time to restore some regularity.
The key is not to try to do everything perfectly from day one, but to gradually return to the habits that form part of a balanced lifestyle.
1. Get back to a regular sleep schedule
Going to bed and getting up at similar times can help you return to a more stable routine after the holidays.
If your schedule changed considerably during the summer, try readjusting it gradually. Consistency is usually easier to maintain than sudden changes.
2. Stay well hydrated
Although temperatures are beginning to fall, staying adequately hydrated remains part of our daily habits.
Keeping a bottle of water nearby, drinking water with meals or including foods such as fruit and vegetables are small steps that can help you maintain this habit.
3. Return to a varied diet
September also means getting back to organising breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Planning a little in advance can make it easier to follow a varied diet that includes different food groups.
There is no need to overhaul your diet overnight. Getting back to basics and keeping it up over time can be a good starting point.
4. Gradually get moving again
After the holidays, there is no need to start September with major fitness goals either.
Walking, getting around on foot whenever possible or gradually returning to your usual physical activity are simple ways to bring movement back into your daily life.
The important thing is to find an activity that suits you and that you can maintain over time.
5. Make self-care part of your routine
Taking care of ourselves also means paying attention to our everyday habits.
Resting, eating a varied diet, staying hydrated, moving regularly or simply returning to a more organised routine are small steps we can incorporate into our daily lives.
Skin and mucous membranes: also part of your daily care
The end of summer also brings a change in our habits and routines.
After months of sun, heat, air conditioning and frequent changes between outdoor and indoor spaces, September can be a good time to pay attention to daily care again.
In addition to staying adequately hydrated and following a varied diet, certain micronutrients perform specific functions in our body.
Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and mucous membranes.
Therefore, as part of a varied and balanced diet, ensuring an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals forms part of our daily habits.
Nutrients and normal immune system function
With the change of season, we also return to our usual schedules and begin to spend more time indoors.
Maintaining a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle remains important throughout the year.
Among the micronutrients in our diet, vitamin A, vitamin C and selenium contribute to the normal function of the immune system.
In addition, vitamin C and selenium contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
