5 Ways to Beat Colds and Flu

As summer winds down, a return to scheduled life is on the horizon. The busier you get, the more you're apt to forget to do the little things that can make a big difference in warding off colds and flu that can keep you down when you need to be on your game. 

Here are five suggestions to help you be your best!

Better sleep  

If you're like most people, there are probably plenty of nights where your ideal bedtime passes and you tell yourself it's no big deal. The truth is, sleep—including the quality and duration of it—is the foundation of good health. Without it, you're more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus. Plus, poor sleep can also affect how fast you recover from an illness. 

Nutrition in full color

If there's one thing your immune system loves, it's good nutrition. That means you should fill your plate with a variety of fruits and veggies. All those colors are nice to look at, and even better, they represent super-healthy compounds as well as an array of vitamins and minerals that support immune function. A great way to get in your rainbow and be a good neighbor? Head on over to your local farmers market and load up on sweet potatoes, kale, berries, cucumbers, tomatoes, and more. 

High five for clean hands

While the virtues of hand-washing are regularly touted, the truth is, sometimes it's simply not convenient. Think: at the grocery store or in our cars, college classrooms, and work meetings. It's not always practical to excuse ourselves to get rid of germs that might have hitched a ride on our hands. Keeping hand sanitizer at the ready reduces your chances of becoming ill. We designed our clip-on sanitizer spray to be the ultimate in ease—they're also pretty cute, to boot. 

Movement therapy

Exercise helps you maintain a healthy body and mind. When you engage in regular physical activity, it's a natural immune booster. Experts say you should devote 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week to moderate exercise. Make plans to walk or jog with friends. Hit the lake with your kayak. Try paddleboard yoga! Choose activities that fit your personality and lifestyle. When you find ways that you enjoy moving your body, you'll naturally want to make it a part of your regular routine. 

Up in the Air

One thing that isn't up in the air is the fact that indoor air quality matters. While you can't control what happens outside your home, there are easy ways to make your home base as healthy as possible. When the weather allows, open your windows to allow fresh air to dilute allergens or pollutants that might be lingering inside. Also, consider getting a humidifier, because research shows that flu particles thrive in dry air.