Healthy Habits for Optimal Wellness
By Donna Stark
We all have those days when we feel a bit under the weather, but if you are constantly fighting the sniffles and slurping down gallons of chicken soup every year, you may be wondering what is going on in your body, especially when those around you rarely get sick. Do you think it's just up to luck or good genes? Or do you think those others know something that you don't? Well, it could be any of those things, but more than likely, it all boils down to healthy habits. Here are the top healthy actions you need to be taking to reduce your risk of getting sick.
Wash Hands Frequently
Washing your hands frequently throughout the day is one of the best ways to prevent an attack of those pesky germs. Here are the most critical times during the day when you should wash your hands.
- Before cooking or eating any meals or snacks
- After using the bathroom or changing your child's diaper
- After you blow your nose and discard the tissue
- After handling garbage
- After touching common areas in public spaces
Clean and Disinfect Your Personal Spaces
In addition to keeping your hands clean, you also need to keep your personal space clean and germ-free. Wipe down and disinfect all the items and surfaces you touch most often throughout the day, such as your doorknobs, light switches, phones, keyboards, stair rails, bathroom fixtures, and drawer pulls.
Use a Humidifier
Humidifiers provide essential moisture to your home and workspace during the dry winter months. Humidifiers help to soothe dry skin and ease symptoms of a cold or the flu, but be aware! In order to maintain effectiveness, you need to keep it clean. Make sure you follow the directions on how to do so properly.
Boost Your Immune System With Food
Consuming immune-boosting foods every day will help strengthen your ability to fight those nasty infections. Choose foods such as citrus, red bell peppers, nuts, broccoli, garlic, and green vegetables, and supplement where needed. Ask your family doctor for recommendations on what to take.
Exercise Every Day
Daily exercise is one of the most powerful things you can do to reduce your sick days, and fortunately, to get the results you are looking for, you don't need a lot of time! Simply allocate at least 30 minutes a day (go for a brisk walk, a short run, or ride your bike around the neighborhood). This is just enough time to increase the number of immune system cells that circulate in the body.
Join the Healthy Gang
Establishing some of the healthy habits above into your daily routine will help ensure good health and fewer sick days! And if you want more suggestions, head on in to see your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Acworth, Ga.