During cold and flu season, you don’t have to hold your breath in fear that you’ll get sick. When you practice certain tactics, you can decrease your chances of getting a cold. Even if you do get a cold, with these tips, you’ll decrease the length of time the cold remains in your body. In order to feel your best and avoid a cold, implement the following tips.
1. Boost Your Immune System
Your immune system is the star player when it comes to protecting your body from the cold. There are a lot of things that you can do to boost your immune system. Start by increasing your intake of nutritious food. Learn more about foods that contain a lot of vitamin C. While oranges are a popular source of vitamin C, you can also find a lot of Vitamin C in green, leafy vegetables such as kale and mustard spinach. Try your best to incorporate garlic into your diet as it contains a lot of antiviral properties to protect you from the cold.
Always remember to drink a lot of water in order to flush toxins out of your system and remain hydrated. Consume supplements that contain ingredients such as echinacea, elderberry and goldenseal. In addition to drinking water, drink warm decaffeinated beverages like chamomile tea to soothe and nurture your body.
2. Stay Warm
When it’s time to head outside, always bundle up. Pay attention to your extremities as they tend to get cold the fastest. Wear gloves, hats and socks. Wear thin layers that can help you stay warm without feeling bulky. When you’re inside the house, it’s wise to wear socks and warm clothing to keep yourself from getting cold.
Oftentimes, energy providers recommend that the house remains at a temperature like 69 degrees. However, in the wintertime, that can feel pretty cold. It’s okay to boost it a couple of degrees to stay warm. Get a furnace tuneup to make sure everything is operating the way it should. The last thing you’ll want to do is sleep in a cold home as this will wreak havoc on your immune system and make you sick.
3. Wear a Mask
As a lot of people tend to get sick during the cold and flu season, consider wearing a mask. Whether you’re traveling to the grocery store or to a concert hall, wear a mask in order to protect yourself from germs in the air. You can’t control what’s out there because many people refuse to stay home when they’re sick. However, you can protect yourself by decreasing your risk. If you’re going to be in a closed space and you’re not sure if everyone’s well, it’s okay to opt out and stay home. Your health is most important.
4. Improve Your Sleep Hygiene
Think about the last time you had a cold. In order to get over it, you had to make sure you got a lot of rest. In addition to drinking lots of fluids, rest is paramount because it allows your body to repair itself.
When you’re trying to avoid a cold, improve your sleep hygiene. Become consistent about the times you go to sleep every single night. Try to avoid bright screens before bedtime. Avoid caffeine consumption in the later hours of the day as you’ll want to be able to fall asleep easily at night. Make sure your mattress is comfortable. Wear comfortable linens on your body to maximize your comfort at night. Improve your sleep hygiene, and you’ll experience more restorative rest.
5. Practice Clean Habits
Even though it’s important to do, many people don’t wash their hands. Whether you’ve just used the restroom or walked through the front door of your home, take time to wash your hands. Hand washing takes a few minutes, but it allows you to stop the spread of germs.
Always walk with hand sanitizer when you’re in public spaces. It’s also wise to keep cleaning supplies in your office workspace. Fill a small container with disinfectant sprays and antibacterial wipes to clean your workspace each day. When you’re at home, maintain a similar ritual. Clean down surfaces and keep the environment clean in order to enhance your ability to maintain optimal wellness.
There’s no time like the present to begin healthy habits. As you cultivate a healthier regimen, you’ll recognize that it’s better to be safe rather than sorry. Avoid the cold and flu this season, and use these tips in order to experience abundant health.