Here in Dallas we’ve been experiencing a wide range of weather patterns. Lately we’ve had very cool weather with rain, then changing to balmy days where it feels like spring. Sometimes when our bodies experience a change of season or sudden weather changes, we are more prone to getting the common cold or find ourselves sneezing and sniffling more from high pollen and mold counts. To avoid feeling under the weather, try keeping your immunity strong by incorporating some of these tips into your daily routine. Here are a few ideas to keep yourself healthy throughout the rest of the winter season:
- Sleep – Getting enough sleep is so important. While we sleep, our bodies are actually healing, so 7-9 hours is crucial for rejuvenation.
- Healthy Diet – Fast food, greasy pizza, donuts, soda pop, etc are all garbage in our systems. These foods really wreak havoc on our insides and will do nothing to keep our immunity strong. Salads, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, green shakes, protein shakes filled with fruit work as a little army on our inside. Filled with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and nutrients – fruits and veggies are crucial to keeping us in tip-top shape.
- Exercise – Keep your heart pumping every day with a brisk walk or light jog. Lift weights to build muscle and strong bones. A strong body is a healthy body.
- Vitamins – Make sure you’re getting enough Vitamin D and Vitamin B12, especially if you’re a vegetarian or vegan. Try taking a probiotic during flu season to keep your antibodies up. Some people swear by echinacea as a cold and flu preventer. If you’re prone to getting sick, trying this holistic remedy may be worth a try. Zinc and elderberry are also popular supplements for boosting immunity and building a natural barrier against viruses.
- Tea and Honey – Try switching up your morning routine with a green tea and honey. Honey has natural healing powers as does green tea. Squeeze a little lemon in your tea and you’re starting your day with a nature made shield.
- Wash – Washing your hands is one of the best ways to stay virus free. After being in a public place or touching common door handles, make sure to wash thoroughly with soap and warm water. If you can’t get to a sink, squeeze a bit of antibacterial gel into your hands until you can use soap and water. However, as convenient as antibacterial gels can be, they can deplete our natural germ killers. So, use these hand sanitizers sparingly and just stick with soap and water. Be sure to keep your house safe from viruses by cleaning door handles, faucets, and other common areas that are frequently used.
Prevention is the best way to keep colds and flus at bay. Keeping your body nourished, clean, well-rested, and exercised will be your best defense against getting sick during the season changes. If you do get sick, try to be aware of not getting others sick. Stay home, get rest, cover your mouth and wash your wands to ensure you don’t spread the crud to others.
Stay healthy!
