As the colder months of the year slowly take over the spotlight, it becomes increasingly difficult to resist the many pesky colds sneaking their way past your busy immune system. Even the fittest, healthiest people are prone to getting an occasional cough due to the time they spend in gyms, which are literally hotbeds of viral infections. So, getting fit and striving for a healthy lifestyle also come with their own set of challenges, but there are many little things you can do to ward off infections of all sorts.
When the seasons change, so do the temperatures, and many thus far dormant viruses start spreading around much more efficiently, making it close to impossible to stay unaffected. Yet, you can do so much both to keep your immune system more resilient, but also to speed up your recovery process with a few handy habits!
Embrace the great outdoors
Although summer is an attractive prospect for swimming, sunbathing and spending more time outside, the milder, but still, pleasant weather of autumn is actually perfect for getting active. The moderate temperatures combined with fresh air are ideal to spend more time in nature, hiking, jogging, cycling, you name it, it will do wonders for your immune system and getting your body oxygenated.
Making it social, by joining a basketball, volleyball, or a soccer team can also have health perks, from getting your mood up to getting you exposed to a variety of germs, which will only build up your immunity. Plus, it’s vital that you get your dose of vitamin D while there’s enough sunshine, as it plays a key role in keeping you strong.
Stick to a seasonal menu
Luckily, autumn comes with a fresh batch of colorful munchies, making it an easy trip to the farmers’ market where you can pick out seasonal, locally-grown groceries for your healthy diet. The fruits and veggies that are typically grown during autumn months are packed with all the essential vitamins and minerals your body craves.
Pumpkins, for instance, are loaded with vitamin A, while kale is brimming with vitamin C, and sweet potatoes, squash, beets, and cabbage, alongside many other autumn delicious treats are all exceptionally nutritious and rich in micronutrients which are essential for your immune system.
Stock up on healthy supplies
Take a look at your medicine cabinet and your superfood kitchen shelf – do you have everything you need to tackle any sudden drops in your immunity and get rid of the flu? Autumn can be a tricky time for many people, even if you do monitor your diet, and getting your vitamin supplements, probiotics, and your cold medicine supplies from a trusted discount chemist can save you the trouble, if and when the trouble arises.
The holiday season will soon be in full swing, so you don’t want to find yourself battling a week-long cold just before Thanksgiving. You can go to your regular annual checkup, and see if your doctor can give you some suggestions regarding the best ways to reinforce your diet with the right additions.
Don’t forget to turn in early
Sleep is one of the most underestimated habits that contribute to our health, and since we all need at least several extra hours in a day, the 24-hour cycle seems unfairly short to keep all of your appointments and get your beauty sleep. Still, if you want your immune system in tip-top shape, getting plenty of shut-eye is as necessary as staying active and eating healthy.
Rest helps your body regulate your hormones, ensuring plenty of those happy chemicals circulating through your system, and it also makes sure that your circadian rhythm survives the days with little sunshine. No matter how hectic your days get, make a promise to yourself that you’ll go to bed at a designated time and wake up at roughly the same time every morning to ensure consistency, not just quantity.
Stay active
Not all autumn days look like a perfect-Central-Park-clad-in-orange postcard. You’ll need a contingency plan for your fitness routine, especially if you live in colder parts of the world, where heavy rainfall and low temperatures are a common occurrence towards the end of autumn.
That is no excuse to stay sedentary, as it will ultimately ruin your immune system! You can build your own home routine, use YouTube workout videos, or enjoy a soothing yoga session to stay mobile and strong. Add to that regular meditation, and your body will be bursting with health to cope with the entire cold season!
Guest Blogger
Luke is a fitness and health blogger at Ripped.me and a great fan of the gym and a healthy diet. He follows the trends in fitness, gym and healthy life and loves to share his knowledge through useful and informative articles.
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