We often think of Spring and Summer as the time of growth, health, and prospering – so where on earth does that leave Autumn and Winter? Although these colder seasons absolutely have their positives, it goes without saying that this is the time of year when people are most susceptible to bugs, and germs seem to circulate at a breakneck speed. We all want to enjoy Autumn and Winter, and all of the festivities that come with them healthy and germ-free, so what can we do to avoid getting sick? Here are some of the easiest ways you can boost your immune system this germy period.
Manage Your Stress Levels and Prioritise Sleep
We’re all guilty of letting life run away with us and letting stress interrupt our lives at the best of times. Yes, stress is annoying, but it’s also scientifically proven to weaken your immune system and up your chances of getting poorly. The more stressed your mind is, the more stressed your body is, and therefore the less equipped it is to deal with the circulation of germs this time of year inevitably brings.
That being said, you should try to manage your stress – and if that means making your own life easier, then so be it! Say for example you were in the process of an extremely stressful house sale, you were losing money, and your house didn’t appear to be shifting off the market – why not opt for a quick sale company like Ready Steady Sell instead? Sometimes looking for the most efficient and hassle-free way of doing something is the best way to combat stress.
Have you ever heard someone say that sleep is the body’s greatest natural healer? Well if you have, then they’d be absolutely right – and that’s why we feel infinitely worse when we’re deprived of it. Sleeping gives your body a restful period in which it can entirely rejuvenate and recover, and ultimately fight off any lingering germs that may be clinging to you. In order to sleep well, you have to ensure you can switch off. Herbal teas, mindfulness exercises, and taking a break from your phone and any other screens for at least an hour before sleep time can help to improve the overall quality of your sleep massively. It also goes without saying, that if your mattress isn’t company – get a new one. You’re not only investing in a new mattress, but better sleep, better wellbeing, and better overall health.
Feed Your Body
In order to work effectively, your immune system needs to be fed the right vitamins and nutrients. This is why now is the most important time to feed your body well with all of the right foods in order to maintain your health.
Fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds ooze vitamins and nutrients in an abundance, so eating plenty of these will help your body to fight off the pesky bacteria that could be waiting nearby, ready to pounce.
If you struggle to get all of your nutrients through food, however, you could consider taking a daily probiotic You can feel the effects of probiotics in 30 minutes. Probiotics are great for the gut, which is intrinsically linked to your body’s overall health and wellbeing because of how important digestion is. If you can get your digestion system healthy, then the rest will follow.
Get Fresh Air and Sunlight
So we may not be in the height of Summer anymore, but even on some of the coldest days, the sun tends to get its hat on for a little while – so make the most of it!
Getting active and walking for half an hour daily in the fresh air is both good for physical and psychological wellbeing, and the sun on our skins gives us the dose of vitamin D we all desperately need in these colder months. Plus, have you ever walked through the woods when Autumn is at its peak? It’s a beautiful sight to behold for sure.
Garlic and Onions are King
Okay, so they might not be the ideal first date food because of their pungency, but they’re also pungent in their goodness.
Finally, eating garlic and onion can help to kill the beginnings of bacteria in the body. Both of these foods are well known to be not only immune system boosting, but contain antimicrobial agents that lend itself well to the bodies recovery when it’s a little run down. They make a great addition to the vast majority of dishes – so don’t be afraid to use them in excess!
