Staying Healthy During Flu and Cold Season
Why does it seem that with winter comes cold and flu season? According to Johns Hopkins, “Colds, flus and other respiratory illnesses are more common in colder months. People are indoors more often, allowing viruses to pass more easily from one person to another. And the cold, dry air may weaken resistance.” So there is some scientific reasoning behind why this is so. The nature of our environments shape how we are affected by illnesses.
On top of that COVID is still a part of society, possibly not going away, and it seems these days there are plenty of ways to get sick. Avoiding getting sick seems to be the real challenge.
In the past few months I have witnessed nearly everyone around me has been getting sick but I have managed to avoid and fight off any initial feelings of illness. I have shared a bed with my partner who has been sick multiple times, family members have gotten COVID, it seems half my students are sick every week, and even being in close proximity with these people I have managed to avoid getting sick so far this year.
Twice I have felt the initial feelings of a cold coming on but within 24 hours those feeling were gone. So how do I manage to stay healthy and avoid the illness everyone else seems to be passing on? I give all credit to my healthy lifestyle and also my positive mental state. I have no time to get sick. But I would like to share some specific lifestyle habits that have worked for me and hopefully you too can keep illness away this season.
Diet
I eat a completely plant based diet. This means that everyday I am eating tons of fruit, veggies, and whole food sources of nutrition. I avoid processed products, cut out most sugar and am giving my body what I know it needs to function at its most optimal state. I am fueling my body with good, healthy foods and feeding my body health not illness. I strongly believe that because of fueling my body with the right foods I have been able to avoid any sickness.
Movement
Everyday start with an early morning run to connect with myself and get my day off on the right foot. I continue to include movement through out my entire day in whatever way that I can fit it in. Staying active and giving my body movement helps to keep it running efficiently.
Fresh Air
I get outside as much as I can, even with the cold temperatures, to get sun exposure and to breathe in the fresh air. So many people keep themselves locked in buildings all day where the air gets circulated continuously spreading any germs in the air around. Fresh air can do wonders!
Sleep
I always prioritize my sleep. Sleep is one of the most important things any of us can do for our health and wellbeing. By making sure I always get enough sleep, and even more if I feel any illness coming on, I allow my body to rest and recover.
Water
You can bet that where I go my water bottle goes. By doing so I am ensuring that I am drinking water throughout. Keeping my body hydrated feeds the right cells and helps to flush out those that are not needed. Dehydration can also be a sign of an illness so keep up that water intake.
Get Dirty
Keeping life sterile is not good for your health and in order to keep your immune system working at its best you need to expose yourself to “dirty” things. Allowing some germs into your body is a great way to keep your immune system in check.
I have managed to avoid COVID, flus, colds, and whatever other illnesses people seem to be passing around all thanks to the healthy habits that I make a routine in my life.
Stay healthy this and every season. Take care your body and it will take care of you.
