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The early spring and summer months brought the world’s attention to infection control in unexpected ways. While much of the focus was on COVID, it’s essential to realize that the winter brings new worries about illnesses. This is the height of the flu and cold season, and catching any illness can leave you vulnerable to the coronavirus. Making a few simple changes in your lifestyle can help you avoid getting sick through the winter.
Avoid Inflammatory Foods
Food that contains partially hydrogenated oil, sugar, and refined carbohydrates can cause inflammation in your body. While your body can sometimes use inflammatory responses to fight off diseases, having too much inflammation in your body can cause your immune system to go haywire. If you do indulge in a sweet treat, then practice moderation.
Use Nutrition to Boost Your Immune System
Your diet also affects your immune system by providing your body with the nutrients it needs to function. The winter is the ideal time to fill your plate with healthy fruits and vegetables. You might also want to supplement your diet to make sure you get enough vitamins. For example, vitamin C gummies make it easy to get enough of this essential immune system booster if you don’t tend to eat a lot of fresh fruit.
Wear a Mask When Social Distancing Isn’t Possible
Mask wearing has become one thing that everyone can do to help stop the spread of COVID. While this is important, it also helps to know that wearing a mask can prevent the spread of other illnesses. As a general rule, you should wear a mask anytime you are indoors with other people, but you might also want to wear one outside. This helps to prevent you from picking up germs when you pass people closer than six feet apart. A mask might also help to filter out large allergen particles so that you breathe easier.
Find Enjoyable Ways to Exercise
Sedentary people tend to have lower immune systems compared to those who exercise regularly. A fitness routine should be something that you can engage in several times a week and enjoy. Try doing yoga, which promotes relaxation. You can also go for a walk with a loved one or take your workout deeper into nature for a hike. Even dancing can be considered exercise if it gets your heart rate up. If you have fun, then you’re more likely to stick to this vital part of your wellness plan.
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
People who sleep at least eight hours a day are sometimes viewed as being unproductive. However, this is far from the truth. As you sleep, your body does important repair work that includes fighting off germs you were exposed to during the day. The winter months might leave you feeling like you need to stay up late to finish shopping or engage in a social event. Setting a regular bedtime means that you’ll be more likely to get enough rest to fight off threats to your health.
Between the cold weather, increased temptation to nibble on sweet treats, and the tendency to stay up late, you could be leaving your body vulnerable to falling ill. Putting the focus on engaging in healthy lifestyle practices makes it easier for you to stay well throughout the winter season. After a few weeks of using these tips, you might even feel so good that you want to keep it up for the rest of the year.