Cold and flu season has arrived, which means it’s more important than ever to prioritize your immune system. There are plenty of easy, natural ways you can boost immunity this winter, so we’ve rounded up some of our favorites to provide some inspiration.
Before you start stocking up on cough drops and tissues, read this list to learn how you can strengthen your immune system and escape the snowy season unscathed. Here are our top 10 tips to protect your immune system in the winter:
- Avoid Overloading on Sugar
During the holiday season when Christmas cookies and pumpkin pies are always at our fingertips; avoiding sugar is easier said than done. While you don’t have to steer clear entirely, try to avoid the overconsumption of sugary foods. Sugar has a knack for causing inflammation in the body, which can be damaging to the immune system. Next time you decide to whip up a sweet treat, consider opting for a low-sugar recipe!
- Stay Active
When it’s cold outside, it can be challenging to find the motivation to go to the gym or go for a run. Exercising daily is essential to optimal health for a myriad of reasons, one of which being that it helps to promote a strong immune system. A workout a day keeps the doctor away, so find a physical activity you can do indoors like a group fitness class or an at-home workout circuit.
- Get Plenty of Rest
While you sleep, your mind and body use that time to recover and recharge. This time is particularly important for your immune system, which needs that valuable time to recuperate. Aim to get around 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. If you have trouble getting enough sleep, consider removing electronic devices from your bedroom or opting for a sleeping aid like essential oils, magnesium, or our Broad Spectrum Elixir.
- Don’t Forget to Hydrate
Not only is water essential for keeping us alive, but it also plays a huge role in helping our bodies cleanse out toxins and keep our immune systems functioning well. Staying hydrated helps the body circulate our immune cells and fight off infection. During the cold winter months, drinking hot tea is a great way to warm the body and stay hydrated.
- Keep Stress Levels Low
High levels of stress are known to play a huge role in the effectiveness of our immune systems. When your body is in survival mode, its stress response suppresses your immune system and makes it harder to ward off illnesses. Dedicate some time each day to relaxing and recharging your batteries. There are plenty of great self-care methods that can help reduce stress, including:
- Yoga;
- Taking a long bath with a CBD bath bomb;
- Meditation;
- Journaling;
- Reading;
- & Supplementing with CBD oil.
- Keep Your Skin Moisturized
The lack of humidity during the winter months can lead to our skin being severely dried out. As our body’s largest organ, it’s important to take extra measures to protect our skin this time of year. Coconut Oil and Shea Butter are great ways to moisturize and both feature antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, so you can protect your skin while infusing your body with the beneficial nutrients it needs to thrive. Our CBD Salvecontains Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, and a number of other plant ingredients that are beneficial for skin moisturization and anti-inflammation.
- Spice Up Your Food
Herbs and spices aren’t just a great way to enhance the flavor of your dishes – they’re also loaded with antibacterial and antioxidant healing properties! Next time you hit the grocery store, stock up on fresh herbs and spices like ginger, garlic, turmeric, mint, cilantro, parsley, rosemary, and thyme. You can incorporate these into a variety of dishes, from soups and salads to curries and stir fries, to boost immunity and add flavor.
- Wash Your Hands
This might seem like an obvious one, but you’d be surprised! Washing your hands is important in any season, but during the winter is when sicknesses like the common cold run rampant. Germs tend to spread like crazy, so regularly washing your hands can significantly help to prevent the spread of infection. Because many hand soaps can dry out your skin, it’s best to moisturize after washing your hands.
- Dress for the Season
Staying warm means staying healthy, so make sure you have the clothing and accessories you need to stay dry and comfortable this season. Invest in a good pair of boots, a quality winter coat, gloves, hats, and waterproof socks. While going out into the cold without proper clothing won’t necessarily make you more likely to catch a cold, it can lead to a weakened immune system—which could then lead to sickness.
- Eat Nourishing Foods
It’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly indulging in comfort foods and holiday favorites during the winter season. However, it’s important to nourish your body with nutrient-dense foods to support your immune system. Try to stick to seasonal foods and foods that are proven to have immune-boosting properties. As a general rule of thumb, focusing on the outer sections of the grocery store is your best bet.
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If you implement these immunity-boosting tips this season, you should be able to keep yourself feeling strong and healthy. As Virginia’s first CBD manufacturer, we are dedicated to providing natural products designed to improve the quality of life of those around us.
Interested in boosting your immunity with hemp? Check out our online collection of CBD products to infuse CBD into your life through all-natural oils, topicals, salves, and more.