Colds, though typically harmless, are never fun. That’s why it’s important to take steps to avoid coming down with cold and flu symptoms this season. Here are three things you can do to feel your best and keep common viruses from invading your body.
#1 Take Self-Care Measures
Improving your sleep habits is beneficial in any number of ways, and getting plenty of rest is key to preventing colds. Studies have shown that at least eight hours of shut-eye each night helps your body fend off infections. Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains also keeps your body primed to fight respiratory invaders, as does staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
The onset of cold season is also a great time to tackle other self-care issues by kicking bad habits like smoking. Not only are respiratory infections likely to become more severe if you smoke, but you’ll also be more susceptible to chronic problems such as bouts where you’re coughing a lot but not sick. Do your lungs a favor and quit or cut back on cigarettes, and you’ll likely see a decrease in the frequency and severity of the colds you contract.
#2 Add Supplements
Despite your best efforts the cold virus still has the potential to attack, so adding supplements during sniffle season makes sense. Vitamins D and C can boost your immune system and help prevent illness or reduce symptoms in the event you do come down with something.
Consuming green tea is thought to provide extra antioxidants that suppress viruses, and garlic is another great tool for supporting your immune system. Probiotic supplements may also aid your body in fighting infections, and keeping zinc lozenges on hand can prepare you to react at the first sign of illness. Adding one or more of these supplements to your routine can help you avoid getting seriously waylaid by a cold.
#3 Tidy Up Your Environment
It’s debatable whether cleanliness is next to godliness, but it’s definitely adjacent to healthfulness. Cleaning high-touch surfaces around your home and minimizing dirt buildup will prevent your house from harboring excessive germs. Even little steps like frequently disinfecting your phone can prevent any number of nasty bugs from entering your system.
It’s not just viruses that can get you down if your living quarters aren’t tidy. Dust, mold, and mildew in your home can bring on different types of coughs not necessarily caused by a cold. If you have air purifiers or humidifiers, you’ll also need to keep them clean to avoid bacterial buildup and ensure they run efficiently. The cleaner your environment, the more likely you are to avoid all sorts of respiratory issues.
Although following these steps will give you a good chance of staying healthy during cold season, you’ll still want to be prepared to address any symptoms that arise. Ready yourself by shopping online for homeopathic cures so you can minimize your discomfort and get back to feeling like yourself as quickly as possible.
