Natural Ways to Fight Off Colds This Winter
While everyone gets a cold from time to time, some people seem to be hit harder than others by seasonal illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults average three colds a year and children tend to get sick even more often. With millions of cold cases every year, it's no wonder that everyone seems to be down for the count at some point between October and March.
If you dread the cold and flu season because it seems like you get sick every year, fear not. With these four natural tips to ward off germs this winter, you can reduce your chances of spending a few days in bed with chicken soup, Netflix and a box of tissues.
If you can't seem to shake the stress with simple self-care, you can consider trying an over-the-counter non-prescription product such as Brillia, that can help reduce these symptoms without the harmful side effects of prescription medications.
Practice Good Hygiene
Wash your hands frequently and use soap and water to remove cold germs from your skin. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should lather your hands with antibacterial soap under warm running water for at least 20 seconds. Make sure you clean carefully under your fingernails, where germs can accumulate. When you don't have running water handy, use hand sanitizer with alcohol. Carry a pocket-size bottle or convenient hand wipes when you venture out this cold season. Try to remember to keep your hands away from your mouth, nose and eyes, where germs can enter your body. If you sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with your elbow and turn away from others. In addition to good hand hygiene, regularly disinfect the objects in your home that you and your family members touch frequently, like phones, laptops, doorknobs, desks and countertops. If you have cold symptoms, stay home. Avoid others who are sick and start using Brillia Health Cold-Flu Recovery right away — it can help reduce the length of your illness and can let you feel productive and better as you heal.Get Quality Sleep
Research published last year in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found an association between a lack of sleep and an impaired ability of immune cells called lymphocytes to fight off disease. In addition, a 2015 study published in the journal Sleep correlated a lack of sleep with a higher risk of infection during cold and flu season. Regular sleep helps maintain the body's natural biorhythms, which in turn supports its healthy function. If you find yourself struggling to get good sleep at night, try one of the following:- Put all electronics away at least an hour before bedtime
- Don’t have electronics in your bedroom
- Take a hot bath/shower before bedtime to relax
- Use essential oil diffusers in your bedroom to help with relaxation
Minimize Stress & Anxiety
Chronic stress releases hormones such as cortisol, which can impact the ability of your immune system to fight off bacteria and viruses. If you constantly feel harried, anxious and over-scheduled, you're more likely to end up getting sick during the cold season. Take steps now to reduce your anxiety levels and boost the body's ability to combat cold and flu germs. Learn a few breathing exercises, download a meditation app or take an online yoga class. Do something you enjoy every day, whether you read for 15 minutes before bed each night or treat yourself to coffee on the porch every morning. Holistic approaches, such as Brillia’s 5 Pillars which can be found on Brillia Health’s sister site, include effective and safe recommendations addressing anxiety, irritability, and mood issues.Sign up now for a healthier inbox.
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