Let’s face it, we’re leaving behind a very curious summer. We’ve had it all. Smog from forest fires, windstorms, cold, lots of rain, a heatwave, and record-breaking temperatures in the middle of September. And according to climate change experts, we haven’t seen the last of it… In short, we can’t wait for autumn! A magnificent season that offers many benefits for both physical and mental health.
Here are just a few examples:
Autumn… It’s a great time for outdoor physical activities, such as walking, cycling, hiking, gardening, or even apple-picking with the family. With the right wetsuit, you can also extend your swimming and kiteboarding season on the lake. In fact, it’s much more comfortable to do these activities as the mercury drops. These sports help to boost the immune system, reduce stress, prevent obesity, and promote a good mood.
Autumn… It’s also a period rich in seasonal fruit and vegetables, such as apples, pears, squash, cabbage, and mushrooms. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants, which protect the body against infection, inflammation, and premature ageing.
Autumn… It’s a season conducive to rest and relaxation as days get shorter and temperatures drop. This promotes the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, which regulates the circadian cycle and improves sleep quality. Good sleep, let us remember, is essential for health, because it repairs tissues, consolidates memory, regulates appetite, and preserves emotional balance.
Autumn… It is finally a season offering both magnificent landscapes and beneficial health effects. It is an opportunity to reconnect with nature and enjoy the brilliant colours and fragrant smells. Let’s take advantage of Autumn!
By Roger Lemay