While the changing of the seasons might be all anyone can talk about right now, it’s fun to look back to the warm summer months, which were such a fantastic break from catching colds and flu. As the cool air arrives so does the onset of spreadable germs, causing sneezing, coughs, sore throats – you name it. It’s definitely exciting to break out our favorite fall gear – like rain boots and cozy sweaters – but catching a cold is no fun at all. Here’s a look at how to ride through fall looking and feeling your best with 5 ways to prevent getting sick.
- Get Lots of Exercise. Good for your body in so many ways, getting your sweat on is an excellent way to flush your body of no-good toxins that cause you to feel ill. Keeping the heart pumping and muscles moving gives you the foundation you need for a strong immune system.
- Get Enough Sleep. While it may be tempting to stay up late binge watching all the new primetime shows, that’s exactly what DVR is for. Getting in bed early and sleeping soundly through the night gives your body the strength it needs to fight off nasty germs that may come your way. Try winding down in the evenings a bit earlier than you normally would to get into the habit of a nice, early bed time.
- Load Up on Fruits and Veggies. Packing your body full of healthy vitamins is one of the best ways to fight off cold and flu – and that’s pretty easy to do when your diet is loaded with good-for-you fruits and veggies. Mix in some citrus fruit for an added boost of vitamin C.
- Scale Back the Party Mode. Everyone around you catching colds, but still hitting the town on Friday night? Alcohol is known for weakening your normally tough immune system. Opt for a Friday night in here and there to catch up on your favorite shows and snuggle up with some herbal tea. Also a great way to sneak in some extra Z’s!
- Drink Enough Water. While staying hydrated is good for you in more ways than one, water helps flush out the toxins that cause illness. When you deprive your body of water, there’s nothing to flush out the bad cells – leaving you feeling pretty bad all around. Can’t stand plain water? Add some lemon or lime for a little flair.
How about you – got any tips for preventing getting sick this fall?