3 Simple Ways to Boost Your Immune System This Winter

woman taking vitamins and drinking water to boost her immune system

We all have times when we could use a little extra boost to our immune system. Cold and flu season is undoubtedly part of that time, or the long winter weeks when we’re stuck inside and more likely to catch something. It’s also essential anytime you board a plane or when your kids start school. Here are three simple strategies you can use daily to strengthen your immune system. Remember – for best results, implement these ideas daily. Let’s get started.

Eat Plenty of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Your body’s systems all work best when you feed them properly. This includes your immune system. Stick to a whole foods diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. If you feel like you might be a little under the weather or suspect that you may have come into contact with someone sick, increasing your Vitamin C may also help. Eat a few citrus fruits. Broccoli, cauliflower, and kale are other great options.

Avoid eating processed foods. Digesting them takes a lot of time and effort. You want to avoid weighing your body down with extra work when that energy could boost your immune system, help you stay healthy, or enable you to get well sooner if you get sick.

Get Some Exercise

In addition to eating well, get regular exercise. For best results, work out in the fresh air. Something as simple as a quick daily walk can help you stay well and strengthen your body. It has the added benefit of helping you to destress. I don’t have to tell you that you’re more likely to get sick when stressed out. Yoga is another way to decrease your stress level. Use daily exercise to destress and stay well.

Make Time for Sleep

This last tip is easy to skip over, yet it is the most important one for most of us. It can also give your immune system a significant boost. It’s getting enough sleep. Make time to sleep for seven to eight hours each night and practice good sleep hygiene. Don’t let the word scare you. It means turning off your phone and other screens a few hours before bed. Keep your bedroom calm, quiet, and at a temperature that encourages sleep. It also includes establishing and sticking to a bedtime routine. As an added bonus, you’ll feel more energized for everything else you have to do all day.