No one wants to get sick over the holiday season, but it can be tough to avoid catching a cold this time of year! If you’re trying to avoid coming down with a nasty cold or flu, follow these tips.
- Wash your hands…a lot. It’s one of the number one things we can do to keep from getting sick and getting others sick, according to the CDC. Wash hands frequently, and thoroughly, to try to keep germs at bay.
- Prioritize sleep! Easier said than done, we know, but as the Mayo Clinic points out, our bodies need sleep to battle infectious diseases. If you’re starting to feel run down, leave the to-dos for tomorrow and give yourself permission to go to bed early.
- Invoke your body’s “relaxation response”. Stress can weaken our immune systems, but as Harvard Health points out, relaxation exercises like deep breathing, body scans, or other forms of meditation can give our immune systems a hefty boost.
- Eat for immunity! We can strengthen our bodies’ immune systems by eating a balanced diet. WebMD recommends that we prioritize eating lots of antioxidant-rich veggies and fruits, which can give our bodies the nutrients they need to keep our immune systems humming along. Balance your diet with lean proteins, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of whole grains.
- Get moving! “If you’re looking for a way to prevent colds, regular exercise may be the ticket,” says WebMD. Strive for consistent, moderate exercise during flu season to keep your immune system strong.
Did you catch a cold or flu? Try the following to speed your recovery:
- Stay home, if you can. You need rest to recover, and quarantining yourself can help prevent spreading your illness to others.
- Sleep. As much as you can. As noted above, your body needs rest to support its immune response.
- Stay hydrated! Plain water, hot water with lemon and honey, and decaf herbal teas can help loosen congestion. Bonus: there is some evidence that lemon, honey, and certain herbs and spices (like ginger or echinacea) found in many herbal teas may provide an immunity boost that can help you recover.
- Try a bowl of chicken soup. While it may not be the ultimate cure, CNN, CBS, and WebMD all report that giving this classic remedy a try is worth a shot. Between the soothing and hydrating properties of hot broth, the nutrient-laden ingredients like onions, carrots, and garlic, a healthy bowl of chicken soup is a good choice when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Avoid fried and sugary foods (and drinks, including alcohol). These foods can trigger inflammatory responses that put even more stress on your immune system.
- Listen to your body when it comes to activity. Time Magazine reports that if your symptoms are “from the neck up” (like a stuffy nose or mild sore throat), getting a little exercise can be ok. But if you’re experiencing body aches or a fever, put the brakes on physical activity.