It’s that time of year again! The days are shorter, the temperatures are cooler, and we’re all indoors more often. While winter can be a magical time of year, it’s also the time of year when colds and flu start making the rounds. No one wants to spend their winter feeling crummy, so let’s take a look at some ways you can boost your immune system and stay healthy all season long!
1. Get enough sleep: When you don’t get enough sleep, your body doesn’t have time to properly rest and recover. This can lead to a whole host of health problems, including a weakened immune system. To help ensure you’re getting enough shut-eye, aim for 7-8 hours per night.
2. Eat healthy: What you eat has a direct impact on your health, so it’s important to choose nutritious foods that will help keep your immune system strong. Fill your plate with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; limit processed foods and sugary drinks; and make sure you’re getting enough protein.
3. Exercise regularly: Exercise isn’t just good for your physical health – it’s good for your mental health too. When you’re stressed out, your body is more likely to get sick. To help reduce stress and keep your immune system in tip-top shape, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Walking, biking, swimming, and yoga are all great options.
4. Wash your hands often: One of the best ways to protect yourself from getting sick is to wash your hands frequently – especially after being in public places or around people who are sick. Be sure to lather up with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will do in a pinch.
5. Don’t touch your face: Our hands come into contact with all sorts of germs throughout the day, so it’s important not to touch our faces unless we’ve just washed our hands. That way, we won’t transfer those germs from our hands to our eyes, nose, or mouth – the three most common ways cold and flu viruses enter our bodies.
6. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids is important for overall health; it helps our bodies function properly and can even help us fight off infections (such as urinary tract infections). Aim for eight glasses of water per day – more if you’re exercising or sweating heavily. Soup, herbal tea, and juice can also help keep you hydrated. Just be sure to limit sugary juices and alcoholic beverages, which can actually dehydrate you.
7. Use CBD Oil Tincture: If cannabis is something that you enjoy, using CBD oil tincture can be a great way to help boost your immune system. CBD oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and immunosupportive properties. Simply add a few drops to your water or tea, and you’re good to go!
8. Get a flu shot: The flu shot isn’t perfect, but it’s still the best way to protect yourself from the flu. It’s especially important for people who are at high risk for serious complications from the flu, such as young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions. The flu shot is typically available starting in October.
