That time of the year is upon us again. The time where fighting contagious viral infections also known as the cold and flu becomes a daily obsession.
Runny noses, coughing, sore throats, fever, headaches, weird skin pallor and general tiredness. We know how unpleasant it is.
So we thought we’d put together our top 7 tips on how you can protect yourself from the dreaded cold and flu.
- Eat Healthy
We often espouse the benefits of eating wholefoods and superfoods but this needs to be ramped up during the winter season to give your immune system a much needed boost. Eating more Vitamin C enriched foods such as dark leafy greens, broccoli, tomatoes and oranges will help. Foods with allicin, a virus fighting substance, will also help such as onions, leeks and garlic.
We also recommend consuming probiotics whether in the form of foods or in the form of supplements. The good bacteria can help to fight off respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. We love Nutra-Life ProBiotic 50 Billion, capsules that contain 11 beneficial bacteria and Miessence In-Liven Probiotic Powder.
- Stay Active
It’s hard to get motivated to exercise when it’s cold but staying active will help you avoid the cold and flu. Keeping your body strong, fit and healthy is a way of preventing a myriad of illnesses, including the cold and flu. If it’s too cold outside, why not work out indoors? Yoga, Pilates, crunches, sit-ups, lunges. These can all be done in the comfort of your lounge room.
- Keep hydrated
Drinking lots of water seems common sense, but we often forget to stay hydrated in the cold months. Together with eating healthily and exercising, staying hydrated will keep your body strong, helping to improve your immunity against infection. You can also drink tea such as ginger tea and honey and lemon tea.
- Wash Hands Frequently
Washing your hands regularly, especially after being in contact with someone coughing, sneezing or blowing their nose, is imperative as the cold and flu virus is contagious. You can also increase hygiene in the office environment by using eco-friendly hand sanitizer sprays.
- Wipe Down Germs
As good hygiene plays a part in guarding yourself from catching the cold or flu, we recommend regularly cleaning surfaces such as keyboards, telephones, door handles and staircases. This goes for your home as much as your work environment.
- Stay Warm
When your body is fighting to keep warm, it is using the vital energy you need to help combat infection. To avoid overtaxing your body, make sure to keep warm by wearing suitable clothing and ensuring that your home and work environments are well insulated. Use a heater if you must.
- Rest Up
You need rest in order for your immune system to keep you fit, healthy and capable of fighting off the cold and flu. Stress and lack of sleep can lower your immune system. Make sure to get enough sleep each night. Practising meditation can also help deal with stress.
