6 Ways to Boost Your Immune System This Winter
As winter approaches, you’re excited for the season of cozy sweaters, comfort food and holiday celebrations, but you’re also concerned about catching a dreaded cold that knocks you off your game and leaves you feeling sluggish and gross for days or even weeks. Because you can’t see viruses out in the world, the key to minimizing your chances of getting sick this winter is fortifying your body to defend itself against invaders. Here are six ways to boost your immune system as the months get colder.
1. Stick to a Healthy Sleep Routine
Your body regenerates while you sleep. When you get minimal or poor-quality sleep, your immune system is vulnerable to illnesses it should be able to combat. Planning your day to include a full eight hours of snoozing each night is a great way to boost your strength, energy and disease-fighting power. If you have difficulty sleeping, you may wish to be evaluated for a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea or insomnia. Focusing on your sleep patterns is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your health this winter.
2. Increase Your Physical Activity
Winter makes you want to slow down, snuggle up and hibernate, but your body needs regular physical activity to manage your blood pressure and hormone levels. When all your systems are working efficiently, then you’re better able to fight off infectious diseases that enter your body. If you diligently follow a workout routine in the spring and summer, be sure to continue it into fall and throughout the winter months. If you’ve never exercised before, there’s never a bad time to start moving and feeling better.
3. Embrace the Benefits of CBD
According to research, cannabis is an immune modulator, meaning it can bring balance to an overreacting or under-reacting immune system. Because of this, CBD products are widely used to boost immunity as well as manage autoimmune diseases brought on by overactivity. Delta-8 THC infused syrups offer similar effects to over-the-counter cough syrups and are known to help alleviate pain and anxiety. Mix CBD syrup with your favorite carbonated beverage for a healthy and delicious treat.
4. Keep Your Stress Level Low
Have you ever come down with the flu the day before your final exam? This happens because your state of mind is directly linked to your immune health. When you feel overwhelmed, lonely or depressed, the cells responsible for fighting viral infections become weakened and unable to prevent diseases from ravaging your system. Consequently, long-term or chronic stress and anxiety lead to a devastating cycle of mental and physical pain. You can prevent stress-induced illness by focusing on your mental health throughout the winter season. Take meditation breaks, visit the spa, or be alone with your favorite cup of tea. When your mind is calm, your body is strong.
5. Get Vaccinated
The chill of winter increases the risk of contracting an illness like a cold or flu because viruses can survive and reproduce better in colder temperatures. Fortunately, vaccines offer a way to avoid suffering by introducing a weakened or inactive antigen to trigger an immune reaction. As your body learns to fight the virus, your immune system becomes stronger. In the event you are exposed to the live virus, you can overcome it with few or no symptoms of sickness.
6. Give Red Light Therapy a Try
Did you know the color red can help boost your immune system? Light therapy treatment sends wavelengths into your body by penetrating the skin. With the right frequencies of red light, your cells can regenerate faster, providing your body with more energy and quicker immune responses. Combined with a healthy lifestyle, frequent hand washing and diligent monitoring of your physical wellness, the use of alternative therapies can support your efforts to stay well in winter and all year long.
Conclusion
With these tips and a bit of self-awareness, you can make sure your winter is full of love and comfort, minus the stockpile of tissues and cold medicine.
