Now that winter’s set in and flu season is on the upswing, it can seem like there’s no end in sight of the cacophony of germs that are floating around this time of year. Colds, flus and other more serious illnesses like pneumonia just love this time of year as people retreat inside and spend more time in close quarters with others. Many have already fallen victim and many more will experience their seasonal cold before the year is out, so here are some top tips to help keep you healthy – or at least lessen the symptoms of those nasty bugs that are going around.
Keep Warm
Keeping warm both before you come down with an illness as well as during the illness will help keep you more comfortable as well as help fight off the bug. Not only that, but there’s nothing quite like cuddling up in bed with a book and your favourite blankets and maybe a pet cat or dog to make you feel a bit better. You can even keep your feet warm with bedsocks, a great idea since our feet can often get very chilly even if they’re under the covers. Grab a cup of tea, that book you’re working your way through and just take a load off for a day or two to help rest up.
Get Plenty Of Rest
Speaking of rest, it’s one of the best solutions when you’re feeling under the weather. Not only that but getting enough rest even when you aren’t sick is a great way to help keep bugs at bay as well as increases productivity, lessens stress and helps us feel energised and refreshed! Try to go to bed at the same time every night – including weekends – and get up at the same time as well. Sleep hygiene is an important concept when it comes to getting enough rest and getting our bodies into a routine is important to maintain our sleeping patterns.
Fluids, Fluids, Fluids
We know we sound like your grandmother here, but you really will be surprised what a bottle or two of water can do. Our bodies are made up of around 70% water, so the more water we drink, the more we flush our systems out and the bugs along with it! Water is great for hydration and to help boost our immune systems too, but you can also hydrate with various teas, juices and soups too!
Eat Properly – Even If You Don’t Want To
It sounds like a no brainer, but eating right and getting vitamins and minerals will help boost your immune system too, giving it the vitamins and energy it needs to combat the bugs that are going around. It can be hard to eat right when you’re already sick, so try to avoid getting there by keeping your vitamins and minerals up through proper nutrition.
There you have a couple of top suggestions on how to keep yourself healthy this winter season. With so many bugs going around this time of year, the best cure is prevention!