Life is hectic, there’s no doubt about that. Most people are rushing to get to work, meetings, and finally get home. With the coming of colder weather and cold/flu season, it’s important to be mindful of your health. Preventing a cold is easier than you think and with a few simple habits, it can be a healthy fall and winter for you! First, wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face. Most people touch their faces more than 120 times a day! When you think about the other things your hands come in contact with, such as doorknobs, computer keyboards, it’s compounded by how many other people touch these same objects and what a breading ground for germs these things are. Just getting in the habit of not touching your face will save your body the effort of fighting off germs.
Drink more water throughout the day. When we are dehydrated, our immune system has to work harder to eliminate germs, especially those trapped in our nasal passages. Water also helps our body eliminate toxins. When we swap drinks with sugar for water, we reduce the impact of inflammation in the body, which helps keep us healthier even when our bodies are fighting flu virus.
Keep bed linens clean and wash them at least every two weeks. Since our faces are often buried in our pillowcases for many hours at a time, washing your pillowcases often keeps you from breathing in bacteria while having benefits for your skin.
Reduce stress by having daily practices that help you cope. Meditation, exercise, and breathing techniques are all useful to reduce the effects of stress on your body which takes a toll on the immune system. When we are stressed, our bodies are more likely to be unable to fight colds. Another way of reducing stress is to find a way to enjoy the tasks of the day. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by a project, try looking at it in a different way, such as a game or a fun challenge. Just a simple shift in how you see a task can change your response.
If you do end up seeing the first signs of a cold, it’s not too late. You can take preventative measures by taking it easy, eating chicken soup, increasing vitamin C intake, and going to bed early to get more sleep. In the end, it’s all about having a balance and taking care of yourself.