As temperatures sink, snowplows join our commute, and the days seem darker and shorter, it’s difficult to stay motivated about fitness. Worse, holiday get-togethers, work parties and seasonal socials tend to wreak havoc on our nutrition.
In the coming weeks, we will turn our attention from the holidays to our New Year’s resolutions. But waiting that long to get your guard up could prove dangerous to your immune system — and your health. So how do we wrestle winter for our own good?
One step is hydration. Just because we’re doing more shoveling than sweating doesn’t mean we should forego our water intake. It helps to purify systemwide, no matter how far the mercury plummets.
There are other easy steps to boost immunity and ward off colds and flu this winter. No mystery here — it starts with diet and regular exercise. Despite the weather challenges, even a brisk walk a few times a week can work wonders. Combine that with a balance of proteins and foods rich in vitamin C, including lemons, kiwi and broccoli.
Equally important, you should try to stay rested since lack of sleep can savage your immune system. Washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds takes on extra importance in the winter, when we sneeze and cough often and are susceptible to the easy transfer of bacteria and viruses.
Finally, stay social. This is the one built-in advantage to the holidays. Indeed, staying active actually strengthens your immune system by reducing stress.