How to Stay Healthy During the Changing Seasons
As the seasons’ change, we find that the days begin to grow longer, and we find ourselves becoming sick much more often. Spring, for example, is a time of sunshine, flowers, and of course, congestion and allergies.
The following are a few tips you can follow to help stay healthier during these inevitable season changes every year:
Always Wash Your Hands
While it may seem like something your mother or grandmother always nagged you to do, they weren’t entirely wrong. It is important to wash your hands regularly because we are being exposed to germs on a daily basis. Winter especially is a time that you will see more social interaction, more germs, and more sickness.
Stay Hydrated
Often overlooked, hydration is important to help keep your nasal passages and throat from becoming too dry. If they are too dry, then it is an open invitation for bacteria to come and set up their home. Always start your day with a glass of water and add in some Vitamin C to help recover from a cold even faster.
Get Enough Sleep
We know we need a good night’s sleep, but it is easier said than done. To get better sleep, you may need to make a few lifestyle changes such as cutting off coffee at a certain time, getting some exercise in, and avoid electronics before bedtime.
Stay Active
Another thing you can do to stay healthy is to become more active. It has been shown that engaging in physical activity on a daily basis can help prevent a cold or cut down the duration of a cold. Exercise also has its other benefits like helping with reducing stress levels and keeping your immune system strong.
Address Seasonal Allergies
If you find that you suffer from seasonal allergies, it is up to you to stay up to date and informed regarding the daily pollen count. If it is too high or it is windy outside, then you will want to take the necessary steps to avoid becoming sick. Make sure all your windows are closed tight, for example, and have someone else take care of that pesky yard work that needs to be done.
Fight Back
Germs are everywhere, so you want to be diligent when it comes to fighting them back. When you visit the gym, for example, don’t forget to wipe down the equipment before you use it. Avoid borrowing someone else’s pen when you are out and wipe down banisters and shopping cart and basket handles when you get to a store.
Basically, make sure you wipe down and disinfect these commonly touched areas throughout the day to minimize your chances of coming in contact with someone else’s germs.
Focus on Your Diet
In addition to all the great tips above, you can also eat certain foods to help strengthen your immune system and keep sickness away. Salmon, garlic, yogurt, leafy greens, dark chocolate, oats, and sweet potatoes are all great choices to incorporate into your diet.
