You may have heard that the flu is on the rise. With flu season looming, these tips will help boost your immune system and keep you healthy.
- Get plenty of sleep.
You know how it goes: You stay up late catching up on your favorite Netflix series, then you drag yourself to work the next day and wonder why you’re so tired. Not getting enough sleep has a negative impact on your mood, energy level and performance at work — but it also makes you more susceptible to colds and other infections. If you can’t get enough sleep during the week, try making up for it on weekends by going to bed an hour earlier each night or taking a nap during the day.
- Keep stress under control.
Stress isn’t just bad for your mental health — it can also weaken your immune system’s defenses against germs that cause colds and flu. Chronic stress raises levels of cortisol in your body, which suppresses the function of white blood cells that fight off illness-causing bacteria and viruses.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
They’re packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help boost immunity. Try eating three servings of fruit daily and two servings of veggies daily (or five servings combined).
- Wash your hands
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds — especially before eating or touching your face — to prevent spreading germs from one person to another; avoid touching surfaces where germs might be present (like doorknobs); cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing; avoid close contact with sick people; wash clothing frequently; use hand sanitizers if soap isn’t available.
- Exercise regularly.
Regular exercise strengthens your heart and lungs, which helps your body fight off viruses better than sitting on the couch all day! Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day
