We welcome fall with open arms each and every year. Sweaters, pumpkin spice, the foliage, spooky season, we live for it all. But one thing we could do without? Cold and flu season. And we don’t know about you, but since this whole global pandemic thing, we notice every little sniffle around us, so this year we’re going to try to halt the germs long before cold and flu season begins. Here are a few tips from researchers that should stop the cold virus before the first tickle of an oncoming scratchy throat. Let’s get started!
Surround Yourself With Humid Air
It’s no secret that the air is super dry during the cooler months and unfortunately for our nasal passages this makes it much more difficult to trap and eliminate those little germs that love to settle in our sinuses. But thankfully technology exists and not only can we nab a humidifier for our homes, but there are even some on the market perfect for offices or cubicles. Having a humidifier nearby will ensure that your mucous membranes are moist and able to keep those germy germs away from your sinuses.
Get the Ick Off of Your Phone
Your phone goes where you go, so think about all of the random places you’ve laid it down. Now think of all the germs potentially lingering there. Now think about all the germs you’re touching and breathing in after that. Pretty gross, huh? You can avoid all of this nastiness by wiping your phone down with an alcohol, Clorox, or Lysol wipe. Better yet, keep some of these in your desk drawer and/or your bag so you’ve always got some on you to use. (And hand some out to friends!)
Get Some Zzz’s
Getting enough sleep and allowing your body to rest is one of the best things you can do during cold and flu season to prevent all the ick from taking over your body. In fact, one study found that those who slept less than 7 hours per night were three times more likely to come down with a cold and/or the flu than those that got around 8 or more hours of sleep. So take your melatonin, drink your Sleepytime tea, and make sure you’re getting sleep.
Get In-Zync
Researchers have found that zinc can actually decrease the growth of viruses, reduce the duration of viruses, and decrease the severity of symptoms of a virus once it’s come on. And the best part is that most people don’t even need to take the supplement, you can just reach for foods rich in the mineral such as beans, nuts, certain fish, and whole grains. We recommend meal planning around some zinc-rich foods and start incorporating them into your diet now and continue the trend throughout the fall and winter. And forever because who actually likes being sick?
Chill Out
Studies show that bodies that are worn down by stress are much more susceptible to colds and the flu because your body is pumping out the cortisol and in turn, your immune system is weakening. So make sure you’re taking time out of your stressful days to meditate, do yoga, read a book, or go for a walk and just relax. Pro tip: start doing this ASAP