It will be here before you know it…the dreaded cold and flu season. This is the time of year where everyone gets a bug and then generously spreads it to everyone else. What with the holiday social events and the changes in weather, it’s rare to escape the season unscathed. But we’re helping you be more proactive this year and start preparing yourself so you can stay healthy this flu season. Before the germs make their way to your system, try these wellness hacks to keep you in tip-top shape and ward off any unwanted sickness.
Drink citrus water
If it’s cold in your city, this might seem like a daunting task, but it’s crucial to stay hydrated in these winter months. Infusing your water with citrus like oranges, lemons or limes (vitamin C is a natural immune booster), and keeping your body well-hydrated will help keep your systems running smoothly. If you want, you can also add a dash of cayenne pepper, which is known to help ward off bugs.
Get your vitamin D
During the colder months, most adults don’t get the recommended 2000 IU daily amount of vitamin D. Try investing in a “sun lamp” and take a vitamin D supplement to help boost your immunity, your energy levels and your overall mood.
Eat warm foods
While salads are great for the summer, raw foods can actually be hard on your body during the colder months. Soups will be your new best friend. Make a big batch of your favorite healthy soup and pack that for lunch instead of your usual desk salad. Make sure to include lots of immunity-boosting ingredients like cayenne, lemon, bell peppers, lots of garlic, ginger and turmeric.
Keep your tootsies warm
It may sound silly, but your grandma was right. Research has shown that cold feet do increase the chance of catching a virus. Chilling your feet causes the blood vessels in the nose to constrict. It’s a protective reflex action that slows down the loss of heat from the body to try to keep you warm, which uses white blood cells, and therefore leaving you more susceptible to catch a bug.
Get a full night of zzzs
Now is not the time to skimp on sleep. Recent studies have found that those who only got six hours sleep in comparison to those who got at least seven were four times more likely to catch a cold. So not only will you be cranky and tired, but you’ll also feel like crap. Make a conscious effort to get a good, full night’s rest and your body will thank you.
