4 Tips to Boosting Your Immune System in Winter

Oh, the weather outside is frightful! Luckily, there are ways you can ensure you make it through the season feeling absolutely delightful.

As the world continues to navigate the effects of COVID-19, it’s more important than ever that you take care of yourself so you can enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.

Here are four handy tips to help your immune system brave the oncoming storm:

#1 Stay Active

When you’re all bundled up, exerting any kind of physical effort is probably the last thing on your mind. Resist the temptation to lounge 24/7 during sweater weather and challenge yourself to get active instead! The simple act of moving your body is one of the best ways to avoid catching a cold. Plus, the endorphins make you feel amazing!

Here are some things to consider when staying on the move:

• Get Some Fresh Air – If you’re able to, try to get outside when you exercise. After spending most of the year isolated in our homes, it’s important to gain perspective and engage with the world around us as best we can. Breathe in what’s around you because it will pay off in the long run.
• Find The Right Workout for You – If the thought of running a mile gives you bad high school gym flashbacks, take up a yoga class instead. If Pilates isn’t your cup of tea, invest in a cycling bike for your home. When you find something that you love to do, you’ll likely forget you’re working out in the first place. You never know—you could discover a brand new hobby!
• Move and Groove With a Buddy – If working out isn’t working out, team up with a good friend or family member to help hold you accountable. The added support will help you build good healthy habits when it comes to exercising, and it’s way more fun!

Do your best to move your body at least once a day! Whether it’s two hours or twenty minutes, breaking a sweat is never a bad idea when it comes to remaining as healthy as can be.

#2 Watch What You Eat

Winter means all sorts of holiday goodies and sweets. There’s nothing wrong with indulging in a cup of cocoa every now and then, but be aware of what you’re consistently putting into your body.

What you consume has a tremendous impact on how you feel, so here are some ways to set yourself up for success:

• Cut Out the Junk – Cookies, cakes, and candy, oh my! While undoubtedly delicious, sugar is not on your side when it comes to boosting your immune system. Make sure you’re maintaining a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, proteins, and healthy fats so you have enough antioxidants in your system to protect yourself from any disease or virus!
• Take Supplements – Vitamin D and vitamin C are just a few of the many vitamins that are essential to keeping your immune system in tip-top shape. Consider taking daily supplements like EpiCor for immune health to ensure that your body is getting what it needs to stay healthy.
• Water – It’s the key to life! Keep your juices flowing by making sure you’re getting enough water at all times. Try to limit drinking too much coffee or alcohol so you aren’t getting dehydrated throughout the day.

#3 Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Catching some Z’s now can save you from being on bed rest later on. While you snooze, you give your body the chance to heal itself and to better prepare to fight off future germs. If it’s difficult for you to hit the hay at a reasonable hour, try to cut back on caffeine during the day, limit screen time before bed, or invest in some Darya room darkening curtains for better sleep.

#4 Prioritize Your Mental Health

The chaos of the year may be hitting you hard right around this time. The good news is that there are effective ways to fight off end-of-year stress. When you do your best to make peace with yourself and the world around you, your immune system benefits greatly.

Taking fifteen minutes out of your busy day to just be still and breathe can make all the difference when it comes to your overall health. If you’re unsure of where to start, download the Headspace app for guided meditations to help keep you grounded.

You also may be letting productivity get in the way of your rest and relaxation, especially if you’ve started working from home due to the pandemic. It can feel unnecessary to plan out time to chill out, but it’s a crucial step in maintaining your immunity. Be sure to set intentional ‘self-care’ time slots in your calendar and create clear boundaries between your work life and your home life.

Walkin’ in a Wellness Wonderland

If this year has taught us anything, it’s that life is unpredictable, so we must focus on the things we can control. Treat yourself with grace and compassion by looking out for your health. Whenever you can, hype your immune system up as if it’s your best friend in the whole wide world (because that’s what it should be!).