Feel good with autumn

Feel good with autumn

The sunny summer days have definitely turned into autumn now, but there are still burst of colour all around us, russets reds and olives of the leaves that sums up this new season can have huge effect on our wellbeing with research showing that colour positively affects our state of mind.

Colour has been used throughout the ages as a remedy to help with different health conditions, and we are wired to react to different wavelengths of colour and interestingly the colours of autumn the red yellow and orange shades are all linked to feel good emotions. As the cooler weather begins many people cab start to suffer with S.A.D (seasonal affective disorder) a winter depression that affects 20% of Britons, but getting out and enjoying the colours of the season could help.

Here I explore the different colours of the season

Yellow is probably the ultimate feel good colour, the sunny shade is an instant mood blaster, removing the cold weather cobwebs making you feel renewed and rejuvenated

What to do: Make your home a cosy spa like environment using lots of scented candles placed in different spots around your home; the cool flickering yellow flames will add a snug and cosy feel and a comforting vibe to your living space.

What to eat: Eat those sunny yellow hues, before breakfast sip on hot water with squeezed fresh lemon juice- lemon helps to detoxify you liver flushing away toxins, making you feel more energized for the day ahead, Snack on pineapple- this tropical fruit is rich in an enzyme called bromelian which will help stimulate digestion, reducing bloating and helping to get that flat tummy

Green is the colour of nature, soothing and calming and is believed to lower anxiety levels, restoring a sense of balance from within. A study recently showed that people who live within 300m of a green space feel happier than those who don’t

What to do: Spend more time in the great outdoors and appreciate the colours in the environment, Head to the park, go on a leisurely walk soaking up the fresh air. Or take up gardening and watch your seed germinate and grow – and don’t go thinking you need a full garden a window box or tub will do just as well.

What to eat: Leafy green vegetables like kale spinach and cabbage should get a prime spot on your plate; they help to detoxify the body reducing bloating and improving skin health also helping to keep weight loss in check. They contain a high concentration of antioxidants like Zeaxanthin and Lutein which help to reduce the risk of degenerative eye disease, Add to hearty stews or steam and eat as a side dish with your meals.

One of the most atmospheric seasons must be autumn and orange is one of the most predominate colours of the season – a hue that is thought to boost mental activity. Autumn offers amazing views at dusk and dawn where pockets of orange light up the sky. Whist morning can be dull and misty there are days that start and end with the suns rays flaming through the cloud truly magical.

What to do: Switch up your morning workout routine, try syncing your body clock with the dawn and the morning get lighter later. Greet each day with the sunrise, after all no better way to shrug off the sleepiness than seeing the sunrise on the horizon.

What to eat: In season vegetables like pumpkins, carrots and butternut squash are high in the antioxidant beta carotene which helps to promote good skin health. Throw them into warming soups or curries. Carrots are also rich in Lutein, which help with your vision add to salad or sautéed, snack on oranges which are also coming into season right now, packed with vitamin c to help your immune system

As the leaves begin to turn an awesome shade of red you will notice your mood and mentality start to shift – A recent study by the University of Columbia shows that exposure to red improves the brain performance and attention span.

What to do: Capitalise on the brain boosting power effect of the red hues. Wearing red can lead greater self esteem, so change up your workout kit include something like a wicking headband, and you may just feel your self confidence levels increase, you also may feel your concentration and performance in the gym.

What to eat: Red foods like cooked tomatoes are a good source of lycopene which is thought to help protect against heart disease and some forms of cancer. Also berries such as raspberries and strawberries are high in vitamin C helping offset the winter sniffles.