Flu Season Survival
Flu season officially begins in October, so that means it's time for some defensive strategy! Many people choose to vaccinate during flu season, but did you know that there are additional things you can do to boost your immunity?
Prioritize Health
A healthy body results in a stronger immune system, which is critical when preventing the flu. When the body is run-down, it is unable to protect itself from illness as efficiently as it usually would. A balanced healthy diet, getting adequate sleep each night, moving throughout the day, and engaging in self-care for good mental health all play impactful roles in overall health.
Exercise
While it may not be obvious, exercise and immune function go hand-in-hand. We talked about a healthy body functioning more optimally above, and the same applies to physical fitness. A strong, active, and mobile body is healthier and more equipped to fight infection than a sedentary body. However, exercise and immunity have an even more direct relationship! Physical activity causes a physiological change in antibodies and white blood cells. These cells circulate the body more rapidly, thus detecting illness more quickly. However, keep in mind that this does not mean more exercise is always better as over-training can lead to injury and reduced immune function.
Hydrate
The human body is composed of water more than anything else, so the more of it we have, the better we feel! Staying hydrated helps to reduce stress and inflammation, thus making the body healthier. Aside from boosting immune function, water helps us to feel and look great, so there's no reason NOT to drink up!
Get Outside
As flu season approaches, so does colder weather. However, staying indoors for the duration of the fall and winter months is not the best way to avoid getting sick: fresh air, cold temperatures, and vitamin D from sunlight help to prevent illness. Seasonal Affective Disorder is also common during flu season, so any time spent outdoors helps to boost mood and mental health!
Manage Cortisol
Cortisol (the stress hormone) is responsible for waking us up as the sun rises, provides us with motivation and a healthy sense of urgency, and gives us the necessary "kick in the butt" in instances of danger or emergency. While its' presence and proper functioning in our bodies are critical to good health, too much produces the opposite effect. Too much of this stress signal that cortisol sends can severely reduce immune function. Even when your schedule is jam-packed, prioritize good mental health and balanced stress levels. Engaging in regular self-care, making time to do things you love, or sneaking in a workout to let off some steam are all great places to start!