(ThyBlackMan.com) At the time of writing, we are currently in the middle of what many people refer to as ‘flu season.’ With the wintry cold and dropping climates, now is the season to succumb to flu and other illnesses that present themselves at this time of year. However, with a little bit of common sense, it is possible to stay healthy. To that end, here is some practical advice to help you stave off the harsh effects of winter.
1. Eat a healthy diet. When it comes to boosting your immune system, don’t bother wasting your time with unevidenced solutions, such as emu oil. Stick to what you know is good for you, such as fruits rich in vitamin C. Other immune-bolstering foods include peppers, yoghurt, salmon, oysters and eggs. You will be stocking up your pantry in time for Christmas, so add these healthy foods to your shopping list.
2. Don’t go outside. If the weather is cold outside (which it most probably is), spend as little time outside as you can possibly manage. If you’re able to work from home, then do it. If you still haven’t finished your Christmas shopping, try and do the bulk of it online.
Provided your home is nice and toasty, you will be protected from the winter chill, and you won’t need to endure any sick days as a result.
3. Avoid people. You can’t avoid people for long, but if somebody near you sneezes, get out of the way as politely as possible. Avoid sharing objects with them too, and don’t touch possibly infected surfaces. The good idea is to wear gloves and a scarf outside, as not only does this protect you from the cold, but it also offers you some protection from the germs spread by other people.
4. Reduce stress. When we get stressed, our immune system lowers, and the chances of us catching an infection are high. We offered you ways to manage your stress on our website, so read our article for some useful advice. Christmas can be a stressful season, but relax and look after yourself as much as possible to give yourself a fighting chance to survive, without getting sick.
5. Exercise as much as you can. We all know exercise is good for us, but many of us tend to give up when the weather is cold. While we advised you to stay indoors, it is okay to exercise outdoors provided you winter-proof yourself. Of course, you can still exercise at home, so have a look online for some indoor fitness tips. However, if you are starting to feel ill, take the time to rest instead of over-exerting yourself, as you will possibly make yourself feel worse.
6. Get your flu shot. Finally, this is the simplest advice of all. Despite your possible fear of needles, getting a flu shot is a guaranteed way to keep the illness at bay. This is especially advisable for those most prone to catching the flu, such as young children and older adults, but everybody should take advantage of a flu-shot, no matter what age.
Take care and thanks for reading.
Staff Writer; Ronald Poole