With temperatures across New Zealand in the upper 20s it’s hard to believe that it’s autumn. But with evenings darkening earlier, and daylight saving ending on 7 April signalling time to cocoon, it very definitely is!
But because at Almond Breeze we love our summer, we’re holding on to the sunny outdoor vibes and bringing them into autumn happiness.
We’re all about making life easy and breezing every day from the moment we get up until we hit the hay at the end of the day. After all, life is this very moment we’re living right now. Thankfully, living your best life is actually simple and pretty cheap (although a tropical holiday would be nice right now…..). So we asked our Almond Breeze fam to share autumn tricks they swear by to make life happy, vibrant and healthy everyday of the week. And we’re all about it!!!
1. Dine alfresco
Whether it’s brunch, lunch, dinner, a cheeky after work beverage, autumn is the time to max the outdoors while the weather is still balmy. It can be as simple as enjoying your morning coffee in a strip of sun, taking your lunch outside if only for 10 minutes, or being more organised and target your local hotspots to follow the sun. Coffee in the a.m. with east-facing venues and a tipple at night at west-facing locales. It’ll be worth it! A ten minute daily dose of vitamin D from the sun supports the immune and nervous systems, and brain function. It helps in bone and teeth health, plus can regulate insulin levels, as well as enables better cardiovascular health and brain function. Lather on your daily SPF and you’re good to go!
2. Hit the beach
We’re not necessarily talking a swim (but if the weather’s on point, do that!), but make time take a walk, fly a kite, write in a journal beachside and soak up the positive energy emanating from the ocean air. Believe it or not, being by the seaside has a stack of delicious health benefits. Its air is loaded with negative ions, which act as an accelerant on your body so you absorb more oxygen, faster. This helps to balance the chemical seratonin – the “happy chemical” – in your bod. Seratonin helps with balancing mood, lowering effects of stress, and enables melatonin production to promote better sleep. Plus, how great is being by the ocean?
3. Commit to your health
It’s easy to trip up on health goals when the body is under wraps (and under a blanket watching Netflix) but before you reach for the choccie everyday to boost the mood, search out goodies that give back to your body. At Almond Breeze we’re all about the treat but we like to ‘cheat the treat’ with heavenly food that tastes exceptional and delivers exceptional health results. Our smoothies are the easiest way to give yourself a super boost morning, afternoon and night. The 3pm slump is no match for our Wake Me Up smoothie created by Almond Breeze fan Wendy Napper. And our Skinny Elvis smoothie inspired by another Almond Breezer, Tim Severne, will help you kick off your blue suede shoes any time of the day or night. Find your fave new smoothie recipes here!
4. Be winter skin ready
Your skin may be flaky, dry and dehydrated from summer sun, so now’s the ideal time for a deep exfoliation and specialist rehydration. Either make an appointment at your local beauty salon or jump online to find amazing products that are proven to work and treat yourself to an at home treatment. It’ll feel delicious!
Try this DIY
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 Tbs whole rolled oats
- 2 Tbs Almond Breeze almond milk
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Method:
- Into a small bowl, add the whole rolled oats almond milk and cinnamon.
- Stir until well-mixed.
APPLY to Skin:
- Prepare by deep cleansing and exfoliating your skin.
- Use your fingertips to apply over face and neck, and relax for 20 minutes while it gets to work.
- Remove the mask with warm water.
- Use a soft dry cloth or towel to pay dry.
5. Treat yourself to a stunning sunset
One thing autumn boasts above other seasons is stunning sunsets. Plus, with night time setting in earlier, the sunsets can be a perfect visual escape before dinner or just after. If you live city side, take a moment to step outside where you can see the view. If you’re in the country, well, you’v e got this!! Grab any of the amazing sunset apps on iTunes or Google Play, like the Sunrise Sunset Lite app, or this Sunset Finder app, and tune into the comings and goings of the sun. It’ll do wonders for your circadian rhythms and enhance your sleep. Perhaps get super inspired and make a date with your friends to watch a sunset together and pontificate about the world (or a weekend sunrise if you’re willing to forgo a sleep in!).
6. Get to a park
Watching the leaves change colour and begin to fall is one of nature’s most spectacular displays. There are parks all over the country ready for your Sunday picnic or stroll. Enjoy the peace and calm of nature, hug a tree and embrace autumn!
7. Take a weekend escape
Summer hols are a million miles away but on the flip side Kiwi AirBnBs and baches are crazy cheap right now – and it may only be a 1 hour drive to be in a different kind of paradise. Grab your friends or romantic other – or even go solo – and enjoy autumn somewhere else in New Zealand. While you’re there, make the most of exploring the local town or village centre, and getting into nature. At night, switch off the devices and have some quality time battling it out in Monopoly or finding out what you never wanted to know about your friends (or yourself!!) in Cards Against Humanity. We can’t promise your abs won’t hurt from laughing!
8. Hit the sauna
Detoxing in autumn is ideal. While there are a load of detox options, one that delivers the warm fuzzies – literally – is a steaming hot sauna. The health benefits are many, but topping the list is saunas increase the body’s circulation because blood vessels open and your heart beats faster so blood whips around your body faster giving your cells, muscles, organs and skin a much needed oxygen boost. Plus over time regular saunas are associated with long term health benefits, such as reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease and cardia arrest. Research suggests for that outcome having a sauna twice a week is a winning formula, but even one will make you feel fab right now. Saunas are also amazing in supporting weight loss with one 20 minute sauna aiding in burning 500 calories. And of course, saunas are renowned for flushing toxins from your body and being a fab stress relief. So go get HOT!
From our love of Almond Breeze almond milk to yours…
P.S….
Discover more almondlicious recipes by clicking here!
