Why we are so dusty in autumn and how can we avoid it

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Autumn arrives and, as if it were deciduous, our forces and our spirits begin to subside. What's going on? Why do we suddenly feel so dejected and exhausted? Are our imaginations or is it really something that is cooked inside us that makes us feel like foxes?

Marta Campo, head of Psychology at the Sanitas La Zarzuela University Hospital, confirms that there is something. "At this time there are always more specific queries that can be associated with the arrival of autumn (mental fatigue, low mood ...)." Why? What makes us feel this bad ...? "The drop in temperatures and the decrease in daylight hours generate changes in the body that affect us all to a greater or lesser extent. There are no official statistics but there are many people who choose to request support to face the end of the summer and the beginning of the new academic year ".

Your tips to recover optimism? "Exposing yourself to sunlight whenever possible by doing outdoor activities , walking or playing sports; fostering social relationships and spending more time with family and friends is a good method to avoid social isolation; create a program of activities to fight apathy ; maintain or create healthy lifestyles, including physical exercise , which generates endorphins, one of the best natural antidepressants; and, finally, seek professional help when fighting depression without overcoming it. "

HEALTHY DIET

After the summer high and the subsequent slap (or not) of the return to real life, autumn falls on us not only affects us mentally but also we physically collapse. "As the outside temperature drops, our body needs a higher calorie intake, so we must plan a healthy diet that gives us extra energy," says César Morcillo, head of the Internal Medicine Service at CIMA Hospital.

Morcillo also notes that "we must take into account the effect of seasonality on the incidence of diseases; it is known that, in autumn and winter, there is a greater incidence not only of cardiovascular, autoimmune and psychiatric problems, but above all of infections",

THIRD AGE

Our elders are, as is often the case in these cases, who suffer most from these processes of adaptation, mental and physical, to the change of season.

"The diet of the elderly must be taken care of throughout the year but it is in autumn when these cares become more important if possible. During these months, the body needs to arm itself with defenses to reinforce health and vitally make the transition from heat to cold ", emphasizes David Curto, head of Healthcare Management of Sanitas Mayores.

Here is his list of recommendations for all ages but, especially, for the most mature:

1. Make at least five meals a day and opt for food from different groups of the food pyramid to provide all the nutrients the body needs. Make sure dinner is made up of easily digestible foods such as soups, fish or cooked vegetables.

2. Ensure your hydration: with the arrival of the cold it is normal to reduce the sensation of thirst so you have to ensure that you consume the recommended amount of daily water. You can get this contribution through water, juices, infusions or soups that also offer an extra source of energy.

3. Add antioxidant foods: antioxidants are the perfect allies to fight the effects of aging. They can be found in fruits such as blueberries and vegetables such as tomatoes and beets.

4. Increase the consumption of vitamins: citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables and fish are key foods to provide the body with the necessary vitamins to face daily life with strength and energy.

5. Do not forget legumes: they are a source of iron and protein that provides physical resistance against infections and reduces fatigue and body weakness. In addition, its consumption helps the intestinal transit thanks to its high fiber content.

SOCIAL LIFE

Curto also remembers that it is key to "maintain a good level of activation so as not to give up." What do you mean by 'activation'? "Above all, to do the things that most appeal to the older person at all times and to report greater satisfaction, such as cooking homemade sweets, making decorations with autumn motifs, preparing costumes for Halloween, taking walks on the days that time permits to enjoy the fresh air. "

Caring for social life is essential to enjoy "a good mood and see the world with a positive attitude." Also perform physical activity, "as it will help maintain the level of strength and muscle mass necessary to prevent falls that can cause fractures."

Autumn can also be a good time to "sign up for a training course in the use of technologies: this will help them keep the brain active and prevent cognitive decline."

What do we do so that children don't get bad?

Drop down

On the way back to school, the rush, the extracurriculars and the homework we must now add the change of season. "Beyond the stress of returning to normal, autumn not only has that emotional influence, but it can also have an impact on your physical health . Cooler temperatures, humidity and less ventilated environments give way to increased diseases in autumn ", says Marta López, doctor of the Pediatric Service of the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital.

What are the main pediatric diseases that are treated at this time of year? "Above all, respiratory.

In addition to the common cold and the flu, there are other infants, such as bronchiolitis. "

What would be the basic recommendations to pamper the health of the little ones in the fall? "First of all, avoid sudden changes in temperature and ventilate the spaces well; as well as not neglecting the diet and maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins, especially in foods rich in vitamin C."

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