The autumnal equinox arrived this past Wednesday, which is good news for the 29 percent of Americans who rank fall as their favorite season, the highest of the four with spring, summer and winter taking the second, third and fourth spots, respectively.1 Whether or not you favor the more moderate temperatures, warm-toned tree lines and festive, pumpkin-packed events (and drinks, food and scents), here are three fall facts to keep in mind – and mindful of – as the days turn crisp.
1. As temperatures cool, physical activity tends to decrease.
One study which monitored healthy adult women for one year showed a decrease in physical activity in fall, spring and winter compared to summer, when physical activity reaches its peak.2 The study also showed this difference was most significant on weekends, meaning activity types shift to the sedentary with cooler temperatures.
This fall, make a plan to stay active by choosing at least one moderate to vigorous activity per weekend. Snuggling up with a blanket and warm beverage makes for a perfectly relaxing Saturday night, but opt for something that puts you in motion prior to unwinding. Going apple picking, navigating a haunted corn maze or even just taking a 20-minute stroll to view nature in all its red-hued extravagance are great activities to get your blood flowing.
Aches and pains keeping your joints from partaking in the festivities? According to our customers, Farmulated’s CBD Freeze Roll On Gel is the perfect sidekick to quickly get you back in motion.
2. According to data, fall brings the best seasonal flavors.
Approximately 48 percent of people believe fall seasonal flavors should be available all year.3 The top-cited flavors? Pumpkin spice and peppermint, which the fall flavor enthusiasts admit to enjoying year-round when available.3
If you fall into the peppermint fan club, our Peppermint Full Spectrum CBD Oil offers a minty fresh dose of calming CBD for daily consumption alone or baked into your favorite treats! Peppermint is also the perfect bridge to winter treats – Peppermint CBD hot cocoa, anyone?
3. Mental health may shift as hours of sunlight shorten.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression caused by factors including a disrupted circadian rhythm, low serotonin and changing levels of melatonin.4 The bottom line is that as hours of sunlight shorten, our body’s natural hormone production and sleep-wake cycle is not always able to adjust without side effects.
Our endocrine and immune systems use sleep as a time to self-repair so that we awaken feeling refreshed and balanced. When sleep is compromised by changing seasons, the whole body, including the brain, is negatively impacted. Luckily, studies show the CBD-driven endocannabinoid system may help regulate circadian rhythms and prevent insomnia, averaging a 4.4 point drop in insomnia severity on a 10-point scale with consistent use.
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So while you enjoy the commencement of cool breezes and remarks on “how beautiful it is outside,” consider autumn a time to reengage with physical and mental wellness, whether that be through a brisk walk, fall-flavored treat or more restful sleep.
Cheers to a happy, healthy third quarter of the year!
Sources:
1. Palmer, K. (2013, June 10). Fall is favorite season for most Americans. YouGov. Retrieved September 23, 2021, from https://today.yougov.com/topics/lifestyle/articles-reports/2013/06/10/fall-favorite-season-most-americans-33-heartland-l.
2. Buchowski, M. S., Choi, L., Majchrzak, K. M., Acra, S., Mathews, C. E., & Chen, K. Y. (2009, March). Seasonal changes in amount and patterns of physical activity in women. Journal of Physical Activity & Health. Retrieved September 23, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2800047/.
3. Yahoo! (2021, August 30). Nearly 50% of Americans think fall flavors like pumpkin spice should be available all year. Yahoo! News. Retrieved September 23, 2021, from https://uk.news.yahoo.com/nearly-50-americans-think-fall-150700351.html?
4. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2017, October 25). Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved September 23, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651.