The holidays are over, the new year has begun, and for many people, winter weather has set in earnest now. With temperatures across the nation dipping way into the lower digits, most people’s thoughts are turning to how to stay warm and dry.
However, this isn’t just the freezing season; it’s also cold and flu season, so you should also be thinking about how to give your immune system a much-needed boost. Everyone knows that this is easier said than done, but there are some lifestyle and dietary changes and a few other things you can do to make it as easy as possible.
Get Enough Sleep
Many people do actually get more sleep in the winter months because the days are shorter and it stays dark longer. However, some people actually get less sleep, and that can affect their immune systems. It is estimated that the average adult needs at least seven hours of sleep a night to be healthy — children need even more.
If you’re having problems falling asleep, try some hot tea (without caffeine), not having screen time before bed, and taking a nice relaxing bath beforehand for the best results.
Take Supplements Such as Vitamin D Gummies
Supplements such as vitamin D gummies can go a long way toward strengthening your immune system when combined with getting enough sleep, exercise, and eating the right way.
From monkeypox to the flu and from colds to COVID, there’s a lot out there that an immune system has to handle; taking supplements can help you deal with these illnesses and at least have a fighting chance.
As with any other type of supplement, it’s best to talk to your doctor before trying the vitamin D gummies just to be sure that it’s safe for you.
Stay Active
It’s super easy to just curl up on the couch and binge-watch your favorite shows when it’s freezing and the snow is falling outside. That’s not the best way to build a strong immune system, however. Even if it is only for a quick 10-minute walk around the block a day, staying active is key.
You can also go to the gym when you feel like it as well. Just be careful about being around people if you think your immune system is compromised.
Try Not to Stress
While this tip is hard to control, the more you stress, the easier it’ll be for a cold, flu, or whatever else is coming down the pike in the winter season to get you sick. Stress causes a lack of sleep for many people, which you already know is key to strong immunity, so try to ward off sickness by keeping your calm.
Besides, when you’re under stress, your body produces hormones that interfere with your immune system. This can lead to people becoming sick when they are too stressed out, so avoid it when you can.
If you feel yourself becoming stressed, take a deep breath, center yourself, and relax. Find something that calms you down, and whether it’s reading a book or taking a walk, you’ll be glad you did in the end.
The winter is hard on your immune system, so you need to do whatever it takes to support and strengthen yours. The last thing you want is to spend the winter season cooped up in bed because you didn’t take care of yourself and ended up with the flu or worse.
