How do you keep from getting sick this Cold and Flu Season?
While there may not be a magic potion to guarantee you protection from all of the sicknesses and viruses that are circulating this time of the year, there are some things you can do to help lower your chances of catching a bug. I may not be a doctor, but the following tips are things that have worked well for me in the past. I very rarely get sick anymore, and as I do live with five other people, I'd say that's pretty impressive! So, how do I stay healthy? Keep reading to see for yourself!
1. Take Care of Your Body
I know you've heard it a million times, but practicing healthy eating habits, exercising regularly, drinking plenty of water, consistently getting the sleep your body needs, and practicing good hygiene are all going to help keep your body healthy and strong so that it can put up a fight against colds and viruses. Even if you do nothing else on the list here today, at least be sure to take care of your body properly. This will not only help keep you from getting ill, but will also make you feel SO much better in the long run. You only have one you, and you need to make sure that you show yourself the love and care that you need. :)
2. Keep it Clean!
There are lots of itty-bitty gross germs crawling over the things we come into contact each day. While there is not reason to get yourself too worried about what they're up to (after all, you have better things to do than spend your time worrying!), it is always a good idea to keep their population in check. Keeping your living space clean is one of the best way to do this. I'm going to assume that you already know to dust and sweep and keep things tidy, but also remember to disinfect the things you come into contact with every now and then. You can use sanitizing wipes or sprays to kill off some of the germs on things like:
- Phones & Computer Keyboards (some technology can only be cleaned with special cleaners, so always research this first!)
- Car keys
- Doorknobs
- Faucet/Cabinet handles
- Soap Dispensers
- Counter tops
- Anything else that you use on a daily basis
Additionally, make sure you keep up on washing your hands frequently. And if you want to make sure that your hands are extra clean, you could even use an anti-bacteria hand sanitizer too... like this really amazing smelling one here:
3. Smile, Laugh, and Love Life!
Staying happy helps keep you healthy! I've heard this SO many times, and while I actually DO understand the science behind it, I totally have bubbles in my brain and can't remember all of the technical stuff at the moment. (It has something to do with reducing stress hormones, I do believe, and releasing other chemicals that are beneficial to the body...) But what does it matter?!? Whether you have the science in front of you or not, I'm sure you'll agree with me that when you are in a good mood, you feel so much better inside and out. So... what makes you happy? Go out and do it! Here's a great excuse to do what you love (though, do you really need an excuse to do that? ;D). Pick up a good book, watch your favorite movie, relax with your friends and family, or whatever else it takes to put a smile on your face. Your body will thank you for it!
4. Get Outside
Or at least get some fresh air! Sicknesses are sometimes spread through the air by people who are sick (via coughing, sneezing, breathing, ect.). So, while you certainly shouldn't avoid contact with all of humanity out of fear of catching a cold, it is a good idea get outside every now and then or at least open a window or two. There are also certain house-plants you can purchase that help purify the air. But... I'm no botanist, so you might want to look into those a bit on your own! However you chose to go about it, just make sure you do in fact give yourself some clean air to breath in. Personally, I am a HUGE fan of taking the outdoor route, though you probably already knew that.
(P.S.) Exploring the great outdoors takes on a whole other level of fun when you're a catgirl... just sayin'! ;)
5. Don't Worry about it!
Remember how I said earlier that keeping yourself in a good mood can help reduce your risk of catching a cold? The opposite is true too! If you stress out your body by worrying or being upset, it releases stress hormones that can actually make it easier for you to fall ill. Need another reason to quit worrying? Remember that if you are going to come down with a sickness, chances are that it will be over in just a few days. In general, life is a lot more enjoyable when don't stress out about things that are outside of your control... so do what you can to keep healthy, but don't stress yourself out over it. Focus on enjoying those pretty Fall Colors and the company of your loved ones instead!
Well, that's all for today's post! Stay healthy out there guys!
XOXO Phantom