Stay healthy this autumn

As the temperature drops and we head towards winter, seasonal nasties like cold and flu begin to make an appearance. Follow these simple tips to help you stay healthy.
Published 29 August, 2017

Drink up 

Even if you’re great at drinking plenty of water every day throughout the warmer months, you might feel less inclined to keep it up over autumn and winter. But your body needs water just as much when it’s chilly, especially if you’re fighting off a cold! Without sufficient water, your energy level depletes, you struggle to focus and your body can’t function efficiently.

It’s a good idea to keep a water bottle with you to remind you to drink. Aim to drink at least six glasses of fluid a day – tea and coffee count as well as water – and if you’re struggling to hit the quota, try snacking on foods with a high water content, such as melon or cucumber. 

Eat well

If you're following the WW programme, you’re probably already tucking into more fruit and veg than you used to, but during cold and flu season you should try to eat even more. Eating fruit and veg in all the colours of the rainbow will provide you with essential vitamins and minerals, and although consuming these nutrients might not prevent you from falling ill, getting your recommended amount will make your body better equipped to deal with illness. So make sure you’re getting your 5-a-day, everyday, and consider challenging yourself to hit 7 or even 10 portions!

Work out

It mighty be tempting to forgo your usual post-work run for an evening curled up on the sofa, but if you want to stay well, you need to stay active – whatever the weather. But that doesn’t mean you can’t tweak your exercise routine to suit the season! If you don’t fancy an outdoor workout now that it’s dark by early evening, try exercising at home instead.

There are loads to choose from - check out our home workouts in our Fitness hub. Or you could try exercising in your lunch break (a 30-minute power walk could earn you several FitPoints®), or sign up for a hot yoga class – the warmth alone will be enough to lure you there on a chilly evening ! However you hit your exercise quota, clocking up FitPoints will help you sleep better, and a well-rested body is essential for good health.