As winter takes hold, our immune systems face a number of seasonal challenges, leaving us more susceptible to colds and other illnesses. Below are five things which can further weaken our immune systems, making it even more difficult to stay healthy during the winter:
Not Getting Enough Rest
In our busy, hectic lives, we often sacrifice sleep in order to get everything done. Without a doubt, not getting enough rest is a sure recipe for poor health, as our bodies need an adequate amount of time to heal and rebuild. Most people need at least seven hours of sleep per day, so if you find that your schedule simply cannot accommodate a full night’s rest, try to take a brief nap or two during the day to compensate. That being said, a strict schedule that includes 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep, giving your body its best chance to stay in top condition and fend off viral invaders.
Overindulging During the Holidays
It’s the time of year for feasts and delicious treats, but overdoing it can severely tax your immune system. Gobbling down sweet foods sends the body into overdrive as it attempts to balance blood sugar levels, leaving few precious resources to protect your body against illness. And, while drinking at parties is part of the fun for some people during the holidays, every drop of alcohol adds a strain on the liver, one of the key organs in the fight against foreign viral invaders. Eat and drink responsibly, and enjoy your holiday treats in moderation, and your body will have the resources to protect you properly.
Stress
It has been conclusively proven that an excess of stress takes its toil on our immune systems, leaving us compromised and vulnerable to infections and illnesses. Whether it’s the stress of battling the crowds at the mall, or stress from overly strenuous workouts in response to over-indulging in holiday foods, our bodies and minds can only handle so much. Take it easy whenever possible, and carve out a few minutes to relax and reflect in between all the hectic activities of the holiday, and your body will reward you with robust health and fewer bouts with colds and other illnesses.
Skipping Your Workouts
While you definitely don’t want to over-compensate for eating holiday foods with too much time in the gym, it’s also a really bad idea to skip your normal workout sessions. Whatever your normal exercise and fitness routine, it’s always best to stick to your normal schedule, as it will reduce stress, help keep you fit, and blow off a lot of the stress and strain of the season.
Social Smoking
By now, we all know that smoking isn’t good for us. But many people pick up the habit, or vastly increase how often they smoke, during the holidays. After all, many people will agree that nothing goes better with a few party drinks than a cigarette. If you find yourself tempted to blaze through an entire pack, take a moment to step out and get some fresh air, remembering that every cigarette is putting a tremendous stress load on your health and immune system.