avoid getting sick this fall

Sniff. Cough. Sneeze. Those are the sounds you can expect to hear as the fall season continues. Getting sick is pretty common during this time of year. Especially as we make the transition from summer sunshine to chilly days and wet weather. It can be tricky to avoid catching a cold or the flu virus. Maybe someone at work gets sick and it spreads around the office. Or perhaps a family member has brought something home. It seems there is no avoiding it once someone you know falls ill. Guess what? You can. Here are some of the most effective ways to avoid getting sick this fall.

Make Sure You Get Enough Sleep. The thing about fall and winter? You tend to get less sleep. Why? You need to wake up earlier to drive safely on rain soaked roads or to shovel mountains of snow. That can seriously cut into your sleep time. Not good! Studies have shown that people who get less than 7 hours of sleep per night are far more likely to become sick. Up to three times more likely, in fact. If you are serious about avoiding a cold or flu then be sure to focus on your sleep. Aim to get at least 8 hours every night without fail. Your immune system will thank you.

Keep Hand Sanitizer With You At All Times. You understand the importance of washing your hands. It is the best way to get rid of germs. Unfortunately you don’t always have the opportunity to do so. One solution? Pack anti-bacterial hand wipes or a bottle of hand sanitizer with you. That way you can get of those pesky germs that make you sick, even when you are on the go. Stash it in your purse or briefcase. Then you can grab it after your morning commute, before you eat, and after shaking hands. This extra step can help you stay healthy all season long.

Don’t Be Afraid To Spend Time Outdoors. A common misconception is that the elements will make you sick. Rain and chilly days can make you catch a cold…. but that is not all they can do. Sometimes you need to head outdoors. Fresh air is good for you. Not only does it boost your immune system but it gets you away from germs that linger inside the home. Another option? If someone you live with is getting over a cold, be sure to open the windows for an hour or two each day. This will help air out your space and let a little fresh air back in. 

Indulge In Stress Reliving Activities. Stress is hard on the body. Yet the large majority of us are under an awful lot of stress. Pressures at work, finances, and everything in between can put our bodies under unnecessary stress. That in turn lowers the immune system and increases the chances that you will get sick when the temperatures start to shift. So, make sure you find fun ways to relieve stress. Some ideas? Take a long bath, light some scented candles, read a good book, or watch your favourite TV show for an afternoon. 

Why spend the fall season sniffling? Avoid getting sick! These are just a few ways that you can do it. Other ideas include increasing your vitamin intake, eating probiotic yogurt, or even adding garlic to your diet. Make the most of every moment…. and say so long to the common cold.