The winter months are slowly creeping up, and with the dropping temperatures come the rise of the flue and common cold. So why is it that people are more likely to get sick during these chilly seasons? Well, it’s not exactly the weather that’s the culprit. It’s the germs and bacteria that a person encounters while stuck indoors. The cold weather permits us to stay inside where we are susceptible to catching germs from other people in the household via coughing, sneezing or touching things without hands being washed. But there are ways to improve your immune system and prevent the coughing, sneezing and chills that come with the cold or flu. Below are some tips on how to avoid catching a cold this season.
1.) Keep Up with Vitamin D
During the winter/fall months, your chances of being outside soaking in the sun’s rays are less likely than they are during the summer. Stock up on Vitamin D by including salmon, eggs, or milk in your diet.
2.) Scrub Those Hands
The objects you touch, even around your house, have millions of bacteria on them. Make sure you are frequently washing your hands and doing so for twenty seconds straight. Take an extra step by using hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol. This will ensure your hands are squeaky clean and germ free!
3.) Get Your Rest
Getting a good night’s rest is key to keeping your immune system in tip-top shape. Poor sleep conditions can weaken your immune system thus making you more susceptible to winter bugs.
4.) Drink Lots of Herbal Tea
There are a variety of tea blends out there that can help boost your immune system. For example, green tea is well known for its powerful antioxidants. Green tea properties help strengthen the immune system.
5.) Stay Active
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t give anyone an excuse to stop being active. Do a couple of sit ups here and there or even jog in one place in your living room. Keeping active helps your body fight off bugs.
It can be difficult to keep up with your health during these lazy winter months. However, it’s important to do as best as you can to prevent bacteria turning into something much worse within your immune system. With these simple steps to follow, you should have no problem on trying to find ways to avoid catching a cold this season. Keep safe, clean, and active, and it’ll be like winter bugs never existed!