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Before the arrival of winter each year the scare of getting the flu or the cold increases. As the cold-weather season approaches, people become more susceptible to viruses and bacteria, resulting in more headaches, stomachaches, throat aches, fevers, runny noses, coughs, and sneezing. If you can recall being sick the last few times in your life, it was probably during the ending of autumn and the winter months, from the start of November to February or so.
Is there anything that can we do to fully prepare our bodies and immune systems for the winter? Of course, there is, as there are plenty of natural ways we can boost it and make it stronger in its crucial battle against the usual ailments that we have to deal with starting right now.
In this article, we will surely mention many of the things you already know about that will help you be healthier for months ahead. However, there may be some new things that you never thought you could benefit from. According to Linda Ward from ecellulitis.com for example, lemon thyme is a powerful medicinal herb and a fascinating immune booster you can use in many ways. Do keep reading to find other easy and natural ways that will increase your resilience and protection.
1. A Healthy, Diverse, and Rich Diet
First and foremost, in order to be healthy, you have to eat healthy and balanced foods. An optimal diet of fruits, nuts, vegetables, sprouts, fish, and meat has to become even richer in certain products if you are to give your body enough nutrients and vitamins in winter. Regional and seasonal organic produce is the best way to go through the next few months unharmed, as it has enough benefits to take care of your immune system almost on its own. Pay special attention to superfoods like berries, leafy greens, legumes, eggs, oils, garlic, teas, and dairy products like yogurt and kefir.
2. Herbs and Spices
Speaking of foods, why not make it even healthier by adding some tasty spices and nutritious herbs into your recipes? Many of them contain antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that each and every one of us will benefit from. Pepper, turmeric, ginger, and curry are able to elevate any dish to new heights, while coriander, parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, and sage are always there to add a new twist to the dish and fill it with more aroma and taste. The best way to try a neat combination is to experiment until you hit the spot you will adore.
3. Special Attention to Self-care
Even if you pay very special attention to self-care during the whole year, try to double down on it during the cold winter months. Since our bodies are more prone to diseases and ailments at this time of year, it is important that the natural defenses are operating smoothly. The routines we mean here include activities like showering, washing your hands, and anything you like doing to make yourself look and feel better. Shower for a few extra minutes and try to increase the water temperature a bit. Wash hands double the number of times, especially in 2024 due to the coronavirus pandemic. When it comes top pampering yourself and your home spa routines, make them a tad bit more frequent as the happiness it gives you boost the immune system thanks to the happy hormones you will get.
4. Sleeping is Always Crucial
Having the right amount of time to relax and restart is our body’s number one priority when it feels a bit exhausting and generally down. Therefore, at the end of each day, it is of the utmost importance for you to have a good night’s sleep of between 6 to 8 hours, depending on your possibilities and how well and long you generally sleep. Sleeping not only helps us recharge our batteries and give us energy for the next day, but it also serves to allow the body to battle whatever it needs to and to efficiently boost its immune system. In combination with eating well and taking good care of yourself, you will be more than ready for whatever winter throws at you. A good sleep habit is also important, by which we mean not using devices right before sleeping and changing the sheets and covers once every two weeks at least.
5. Working out and Staying Active
Now, if you manage to do everything mentioned earlier, you will have a healthy body and a rather strong immune system. However, you will still not be doing nearly as much as you can since your body itself will not be strong and mobile enough. For this of course you need to actually be active and do regular exercise. An optimal amount is anywhere between 2 and 4 times a week, depending on what your training preferences are and how active you already are during the day. No matter how much you may cycle or walk to school, work, or to the shops, having a few dedicated sessions during which you will work out will not only make you feel better but also further increase your immune system levels.
6. Supplements
Increasing vitamin and nutrient doses through supplements is a common contemporary practice for people. Even those who eat the healthiest diets could benefit from more vitamin C, magnesium, omega 3, vitamin D, Selenium, zinc, and many others. It is often enough to make an educated guess and introduce a few of these into your daily routines, but you can also consult your nutritionist or doctor to check what you may need most. If you sometimes experience stomach problems, you can start taking probiotics from time to time for a healthier gut.
7. Limit Bad Habits
Smoking, drinking, and any other kind of substance abuse is of course detrimental to your whole being, let alone during the already challenging winter months when there is a new pandemic. None of the above will work if you are not smart about your choices, so make sure to limit whatever you can if you are still not ready or capable of giving it up completely. If you need help, make sure to reach out to your loved ones.