Why do we get sick in the winter? Even in SW FL? When winter rolls around so do additional activities that can be stressful. Increased activities, higher sugary food and alcohol consumption, and self-imposed deadlines can wear us down, depleting our immune systems, allowing us to get sick.
We recommend trying to keep your immune system strong by using a preventative approach. Be conscious of what you eat, how much you sleep, and how much activity you get. Try to stay in a normal, health-promoting routine to keep your immune strong.
Reduce Unnecessary Stress: Assess what you find stressful and find ways to eliminate them. I know that I always felt that I had to carry on certain traditions – like sending Christmas cards, making dozens of homemade cookies, finding the perfect gifts for everyone, and entertaining as the hostess with the mostest. Well, guess what? I got over it! No more cards. Only a few cookies. And much more casual get-togethers! Send e-cards or letters or post your card on social media. Get together with a friend who loves to bake and make a few items together. Go potluck for gatherings.
Get enough sleep: We cannot emphasize the importance of sleep. Make getting enough sleep a priority! Most require 7 or 8 hours of sleep each night and even more during periods of extra stress.
Be selective in what you say yes to. You do not have to attend everything! Do not become overwhelmed with an overloaded list of things to do. Make your list, check it twice, then be done, then sit back and relax with your Christmas lights on, your favorite tunes, and a nice cup of tea or glass of wine!
Keep moving: Make it a priority to schedule regular daily physical activity. Not only does it relieve stress, but you can also burn off some of those holiday indulgences, as well as stimulate the immune system. Staying with a daily exercise routine is so good for you! Walk, run, box, swim, bike, lift, paddle. The sky’s the limit here in SW FL! What a blessing!
Eat fresh and dump the junk! Feeding your body healthy, organic, fresh foods is going to help you fight infection, stay strong, and improve immunity. We have control over what goes into our bodies. Choose wisely! Dump the processed, chemical-laden, fake foods! Eat fresh!
Include immune-stimulating foods: Vegetables: Green Leafy, Broccoli, Cabbage, Peppers, Brussels Sprouts, Onions, Beets, Tomatoes, Carrot, Asparagus, Cauliflower, Yams, Pumpkin. Legumes: Soybeans, Garbanzo Beans, Kidney Beans, Lentils, Navy Beans, Split peas, Black-eyed Peas, Pinto beans. Fish: Cod, Halibut, Salmon, Tuna, Trout, Bass, Sole, Haddock, Sardines. Oils: (Cold-Pressed and Unrefined “Extra-Virgin”) Flax Seed Oil, Primrose Oil, Borage Oil, Hemp Oil, Olive Oil, Sesame Oil, Fish Oils. Other: Brewer’s Yeast, Garlic, Vinegar, Mustard, Salsa, Curry, Cinnamon, Ginger, Green Tea, Cayenne, Stevia, Kelp, Spirulina, Bee Pollen, Wheat Germ.
Here’s to a happy, healthy, holiday season for all!
