Season shifts can really throw you for a loop. You might be expecting more cool fall days and then get hit with a heat wave out of nowhere. Or finally be transitioning back to warm weather before getting one last surprise snow. Weather can be very unpredictable, and during the time of year when it transitions from one season to the next, it’s important to be prepared for anything. Bring along whatever supplies you’ll need for any kind of weather, or keep your car stocked with essentials for the whole family. Be weather aware in case of things like icy mornings, or when you begin traveling in the dark around daylight savings. Practice healthy habits like hand-washing because these are times of the year when sicknesses tend to spread. And finally, increase your vitamins to protect your immunity and help keep you feeling more positive, even when the weather is getting darker. Some areas of the county have more dependable weather than others, but if you live in an area that often has false starts to seasons, it’s helpful to prepare for all possibilities when you leave the house in the morning.
Staying Healthy and Comfortable During Season Shifts: Always Be Prepared
Bring Everything
In order to stay comfortable during season shifts, it’s helpful to just bring everything you think you might possibly need. For example, if it’s been cooler, keep packing plenty of water and sunscreen for those surprise 80 degree days. If the weather has been cool but is starting to get warm, don’t ditch the jacket quite yet. Instead, wear layers that you can easily take off and add on throughout the day as the temperature changes. It’s helpful to keep your car stocked with the essentials for the whole family like warm clothes, raincoats, and plenty of water and snacks.
Be Weather Aware
It’s also important to stay weather aware during season shifts. If the weather is transitioning from winter into spring, you’ll need to stay aware in case of surprise cold mornings with icy roads. Continue to bring along things like snow tires and snow boots if you live in an area where you might get unexpected snow storms. During daylight savings time, the roads can be especially dangerous. Drivers are getting used to leaving earlier in the morning when it’s darker, or driving home later at night. Make sure to be on the lookout for drowsy drivers and pedestrians that are less visible.
Practice Healthy Habits
Season shifts often are times when a lot of illness begin to circulate. Weather changes can have effects on our immunity and overall health, and when the weather gets colder, colds and viruses often start going around even more frequently. Practice healthy habits like frequent hand-washing and getting plenty of sleep to keep your immune system strong. If you are feeling ill, stay home or wear a mask in public so that you don’t spread your germs to others.
Increase Vitamins C and D
Finally, increasing your vitamins C and D can also help prevent illness during season shifts. So you might consider adding in a supplement of vitamin C into your diet to help strengthen your immune system. And vitamin D can help you fight off the blues if you’re experiencing some seasonal affective depression or mood disorders. This is especially important as seasons transition from Spring into Winter, and the weather begins to get darker and colder. Make sure you’re getting outside for any sun that you can soak up, and consider supplementing your diet with vitamin D as well.
Season shifts can be a time when illnesses crop up, when schedules get a little hectic, and when things like seasonal affective disorder start to show up. It’s helpful to take some steps to make sure you’re prepared to handle these changes in weather. Stock your car with all the essentials that you’ll need in case the weather shifts dramatically during the day. Additionally, be alert for changing weather patterns, and be especially careful right around daylight savings time. Practice healthy habits like frequent hand-washing, getting plenty of sleep, getting exercise, and staying home when sick to keep your immune system strong. And finally, increase your vitamin intake to protect yourself from illnesses and the effects of seasonal affective disorder. Hopefully, by taking these steps, you can avoid the pitfalls of this time of year and instead focus your energy on the excitement of the upcoming season.