Who has time to be in bed for a week with the flu or a cold? None of us. The season is here and I am bound & determined to keep my immune system as strong as possible. There are bad habits many of us have that weaken our systems and make us susceptible to germs and viruses. It takes a bit more effort than merely using hand sanitizer or taking extra vitamin C although both of those are good habits.

Join me in being as strong as possible this winter:

1. GET MORE Zzz’s. When we have poor sleeping habits it lowers our immune system and reduces the numbers of killer cells that fight germs. If you’re a night owl, try going to bed earlier. If it’s possible- take a catnap during the day.
2. CHILL OUT. Chronic stress does a royal number on your immune system and there’s a major decline in the system’s ability to fight disease. A hot bath is not going to do the trick. Try creating a lifestyle of stress relieving activities like painting, kickboxing or yoga.
3. NO COMMUNAL PENS. I’m guilty of using the communal pens at the bank and we can’t get around using the credit/debit card machine touchpad pen. (that’s when the hand sanitizer comes in handy) Carry your own pen for bank deposits and to various meetings in your office. Politely tell co-workers your pen is off limits due to it being flu season. Encourage them to use their own pens as well. Keep a box of inexpensive ballpoint pens in your office for co-workers. Tell them they can keep it!
4. GET YOUR GIGGLE ON. Because the days are shorter, darker and colder- our mood takes a dip during winter. Laughing actually activates stress busting hormones and increases immune cells.
5. LIMIT THE BOOZE. Ok, I know this is a challenge during winter because of all the holiday parties, but be mindful of limiting your intake.  Alcohol can actually damage the immune system because it prevents nutrients from feeding the immune system. Once the alcohol gets into the blood stream, it begins reducing the number of white blood cells making it difficult to fight off disease.
6. GIRL TIME. It’s a scientific fact that women who create regular genuine friendships and connect on a regular basis have stronger immune systems. With the busyness of the holiday season on top of cramming in work before your time off, it’s easy to bypass quality time with friends. If you can’t grab coffee, at least have a fun phone chat. You’ll both benefit from the boost.
7. POP THE SUPP’S. We will never get the amount of immune building nutrients we need from meals. It’s important to consistently take the proper supplements to strengthen your system. Last week with the first temperature dip, I ordered a great supplement filled with immune boosting nutrients like camu camu which has antiviral properties and 60 times more vitamin C than an orange. It’s also filled with amazing nutrients for mental alertness, mood balance, anti-inflammatory properties, energy and healthy skin/hair/nails.

What habits do you need to change?

Take good care of you, sista.

Love, Tiff