For many, winter is the season for fun and festivities. The weather outdoors may get colder, but homes get cozier as families gather around the fireplace or snuggle together watching classic movies. Whether it’s holidays with family or a solo ski trip, many people look forward to the festive season. Except for those who are sick in bed with the flu or similar ailments.
People with low immunity are more susceptible to recurring infections, which can make their winters dull and drab. While their friends enjoy the holiday season, their cough and cold keeps holding them back. It’s not too late to put an end to this annual ritual of illness. Strengthen your body, so it’s ready to combat infections in winter.
Just like wearing a warm, winter coat can stop the icy wind from hurting you externally, boosting your immunity protects you internally. It makes your germ-fighting cells stronger for fighting against harmful viruses and bacteria. This can’t be done without your help. You need to adapt your lifestyle to support your immunity. Here are five ways to do just that.
1. Eat Immune-Supportive Food
It’s natural to feel hungry when you’re cold, as lower body temperatures need more calories to stay warm. However, what you eat is up to you. Instead of binging on high-calorie comfort food, opt for food that helps your body’s defense mechanisms. Probiotics are a great example. Some foods like kefir and kombucha promote gut health. Additionally, probiotics for women can protect against UTIs and vaginal infections by balancing bacteria in the gut, vagina, and urinary tract.
Fuel up your body with immune-boosting foods before winter starts. Orange juice and lemon tea are excellent sources of vitamin C while leafy greens provide vitamins and antioxidants. Having warm soupy broths is not just nourishing but also provides adequate hydration. Keep a flask of herbal tea or warm lemon water to keep you warm and energized throughout the day.
2. Allow Immune Cells to Circulate
It’s tempting to spend winters curled up on the couch, but inactivity may affect both physical and mental wellbeing. Moving around improves blood circulation, which can help immune cells move faster. Bundle up and take a walk around the block. The outdoor air may feel cold, but you’ll feel fresher and more active when you get back home.
There are lots of ways to stay active indoors as well. Take up an indoor exercise routine like yoga or pilates. Encourage the whole family to join. One way to get the kids moving is to build a fort with them or plan a scavenger hunt. Don’t let them spend their winter break in front of a screen. Encourage them to stay active so they stay strong and sleep well.
3. Let Your Immune System Work While You Sleep
Despite being called the “holiday season,” winters may be much busier than the rest of the year. Offices start winding up work faster before the holidays and homes start preparing for upcoming events. Many people go shopping straight from work and come back home to wrap gifts and plan parties. In all this chaos, your sleep may get affected, which can ultimately affect your health.
The immune system relies on quality sleep as that’s when the body produces cytokines to fight infections. Plan for the holidays well ahead and shop online if possible. Don’t let the extra work disturb your sleep routine as it’ll be difficult to recover later. When you do lie down to rest, make sure the room is dark, cool, and quiet, with no distractions around. The calmer the environment, the more easily you’ll drift into sleep, escaping the stress of the day.
4. Don’t Let Stress Bring Down Your Immunity
Mental health has a direct impact on physical health. Stress of any kind causes the body to release cortisol. Excess cortisol can lead to chronic inflammation, putting added pressure on the immune system, making you susceptible to stress sickness.
The holiday season can bring with it all sorts of stress. Perhaps the shopping bills get out of hand, or you’re dreading meeting that uncle you don’t like. Whatever the reason is, find ways to relax. The days may get shorter but do take out time to practice meditation or breathing exercises. Spend more time doing things you like, with the people you like, and you’ll feel your thoughts become more positive.
5. Care For Yourself and Your Immunity
While the holidays focus more on connecting with loved ones, don’t forget to connect with your inner self. Taking time out for self-care is not just good to destress, but it also helps bolster immunity. Soak in the winter sun and the vitamin D it brings with it to feel brighter and stronger.
Taking care of others and allowing others to take care of you is also a form of self-care. The holiday season is perfect to meet up with friends and family and relive old memories. However, don’t use the fun as an excuse to fall into old bad habits. Heavy drinking, smoking, and overeating can negatively impact the immune system, so don’t risk your health because of peer pressure.
Don’t Share Germs
Humans aren’t the only ones who love winters, germs do too. Low temperatures and enclosed spaces are where they thrive, so keep your homes warm but ventilated. If someone falls sick, make sure they don’t put others at risk with their germs. Keep your home as germ-free as possible by disinfecting surfaces. Also, don’t forget to get your flu shot. All these precautions can add up to keeping you healthy to enjoy winters thoroughly.
Just like you plan a winter-getaway in advance or buy jackets before it gets cold, prepare your body proactively. Don’t let germs steal the holiday spirit. Be mentally and physically prepared, so you can make the most of the winters. With a strong immune system, you’ll finally enjoy the beauty of winters, without any aches and sneezes.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
