Boost your diet
Eating foods that are high in vitamin C will help keep your immune system strong, so include fruit and vegies such as lemons, kiwifruit, capsicum and broccoli in your weekly shop. If you’re struggling to get the recommended two serves of fruit and five serves of vegies each day, try juicing them. Make juices that consist of two-thirds vegetables and one-third fruit. A blend of carrot, beetroot, spinach and lemon is an immune boosting combination great for keeping bugs at bay.
Exercise regularly
It’s vital to keep your workout regimen up during winter, with a recent study showing that a moderate level of regular exercise has a long-term cumulative effect on immune response. Don’t forget also that summer bodies are made in winter!
Stay connected
Socialising helps strengthen your immune system by keeping you active and reducing your stress levels, so avoid the temptation to rug up on the couch all winter. Invite friends over for dinner, visit local art galleries, watch a band, wrap up warm and go for a walk in nature with your family or plan a cinema date with a friend.
Sleep well
Lack of sleep can have a serious effect on your immune system, making you more vulnerable to catching colds. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as listening to soft music or soaking in a warm bath. Avoid watching TV or using your computer just before bedtime and turn the lights down low an hour before you turn in for the night, as it will boost the release of melatonin in the brain.
Drink water
It’s also important to hydrate yourself by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. In summer, the hot weather reminds us that we are thirsty. It’s easy to neglect hydration when the weather becomes cooler because we think our body doesn’t need any more water. Keeping your body well hydrated will help to keep your skin healthy, flush out toxins and ward off winter bugs.