As the leaves fall from the trees and the temperatures gradually decrease, more sniffles, sneezes, and coughs populate the public spaces. As cold and flu season approaches, you don’t have to hold your breath in dread for when it’s your inevitable turn to get sick. Instead, you can put your defenses up in order to strengthen your immune system for the fight by adopting these eight methods.
1. Rest
Rest is such an important component in a person’s ability to maintain mental and physical wellness. When you get sick, one of the most effective ways to heal the body is through rest. In addition to getting at least seven hours of rest each night, improve the quality of your rest by using comfortable linens, decreasing screen time, and including a meditation practice before bed.
2. Medicinal Herbs/Vitamins
There’s so much power found in herbs and medicinal tonics. Elderberry is known for its immune-boosting qualities. Concoct your own natural remedies by mixing various herbs, vitamins, and fresh ingredients from your kitchen. By preparing various homemade teas, wellness shots, and tonics, you’ll give your immune system some incredibly powerful and restorative solutions. Taking vitamins and supplements will also help boost your immune system with nutrients that are hard to get from food alone.
3. Nutrition
Preparing meals from scratch is one of the easiest ways to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need. Even if you take some of your favorite fast-food meals and turn them into healthier options, you can do wonders for your immune system. Instead of purchasing salad dressing, make your own with fresh ingredients like chopped garlic, freshly-squeezed citrus, and herbs. Decrease your intake of highly processed foods, and increase your consumption of fresh produce and whole foods. When it’s time to sit down and eat, your plate needs to look like the rainbow in that it’s as colorful as possible.
4. Exercise
Exercise is beneficial in its ability to help you maintain your weight and improve your heart health. However, it can also work to boost one’s immune system because of its stress-relieving properties. When a person doesn’t have a way to release stress, it remains pent up and can lead to physical sickness. By exercising three to five times each week, one can decrease stress and improve the chances of immunity from the flu.
5. Cleanliness
One of the main reasons why the flu spreads so quickly is a lack of cleanliness. When bacteria and germs spread, so do viruses. In addition to using bacteria-killing cleaning products, wash your hands as regularly as possible. When the children come home from school, give them a bath immediately. When everyone gets scrubbed down, this decreases the spread of bacteria from outside sources.
6. Time Outside
Give your mind a chance to refresh itself and experience a sense of restoration by getting outside in the morning. Within an hour of waking up, do your best to get outside in order to decrease stress and improve your mental well-being. When it’s cold outside, bundle up in order to protect your body and extremities. Cold airplay is connected to a stronger immune system boost and a resistance to allergies.
7. Hydration
Hydration is essential because it helps with the process of elimination. When an individual regularly consumes lots of water each day, this decreases the chances of bacteria remaining stagnant in the body. When there are infection-causing toxins in the body, you’ll want consistent hydration to flush everything out in an expeditious manner. Consume a gallon a day for the best results.
8. Air Quality
Pay attention to the air you’re taking in. While you might not be able to control the air in publicly shared spaces, cultivate the right environment at home. Get a humidifier and a humidity thermometer that maintains a certain amount of humidity in the room. Run a diffuser with healing essential oils like eucalyptus and lemon. Crack the windows open for a few minutes each day. This allows air to circulate throughout the home to maintain freshness.
Many of these methods require a simple reminder on your phone. However, some of these tips require grocery store trips, meal planning, and a rearrangement of your personal schedule. Put systems and schedules in place in order to honor your commitment to your immune system. You don’t have to get sick this flu season. With these tips, your immune system gets a fair chance at wellness and vitality.
