Seasonal changes as we enter winter in the southern hemisphere and summer in the north

This time of year is always one of great change. In the southern hemisphere we find the leaves changing colour, and coats being pulled out from storage. In the northern hemisphere, we find flowers starting to bloom, and that everyone has just a little more spring in their step.

However, with the change of season, we can find certain challenges come up for our health, as our bodies adjust to these new temperatures and environmental conditions. We’ve discussed with our members some of their favourite ways to ensure they manage this change in season, and thought we’d share some of their ideas below.

The first, and perhaps most important task, is boosting our immune system. As the seasons change, our immune systems can be weakened, making us more susceptible to illnesses such as the flu and the common cold. We know you’ve heard it time and time again, but make sure to keep your immune system strong, you’re eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. This is perhaps harder for those in our collective who are currently in the southern hemisphere getting ready for winter. Even though the days are shorter and colder, keep up your exercise regime and ensure you are eating with the seasons (hint: root vegetables are key!)

The second tip we have is a classic for a reason – stay hydrated! Drinking enough water is crucial for maintaining good health all year, but it's especially important during the change of seasons. As the weather cools down or heats up, it's easy to forget to drink enough water. Make sure you're drinking at least eight glasses of water a day, and consider adding hydrating foods such as watermelon and cucumbers to your diet.

Again, for those heading into winter, we know it's tempting to stay indoors and avoid the cold. However, getting plenty of fresh air is important for maintaining not only your physical health, but also your mental health!. Even if it's dark (at 6am or 6pm!) we encourage you to take a walk outside, open your windows for some fresh air, or spend time in nature to help boost your mood and improve your overall health. These small things can make all the difference.

As the weather changes, so does our skin. During the cooler months, dry air can cause our skin to become dry and itchy. Make sure to moisturise your skin regularly (choose one with natural ingredients such as aloe and almond oil to soothe and nourish!) and use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. During the warmer months, make sure you are protecting your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen and covering up with protective clothing.

Our final tip for today is to make sure you are practising good sleep habits. Our bodies need plenty of rest to stay healthy, and getting enough sleep is especially important during the change of seasons. Make sure you're getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night, and create a relaxing sleep environment by keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. For those heading into summer, we know it's tempting to go out and enjoy the light summer air by jam-p packing your social calendar with drinks and dinners! Make sure you are maintaining a routine and optimising what time you go to bed each night, so you can perform your best the next day.

Remember to be patient with yourself and give your body time to adjust to the changes. With a little effort, you can enjoy the beauty of each new season while staying healthy and strong.