No one wants to be sick. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also be expensive and time-consuming. And let’s not forget the fact that being sick can seriously interfere with your work or school schedule!
It’s no fun being sick, especially when there are things you could be doing to help prevent it. In this article, we will discuss some healthy habits that will help keep you from getting sick.
Healthy Habits to Prevent You from Getting Sick
Getting sick is the pits. You’re congested, your throat hurts, and you just don’t feel well overall. While it’s impossible to prevent colds and the flu 100% of the time, there are some healthy habits you can adopt to help reduce your chances of getting sick. Follow these tips and you’ll be feeling great all year long!
#1 – Wash your hands regularly
This one is a no-brainer. You should be washing your hands several times a day, especially after using the restroom, handling garbage, or coming into contact with someone who is sick. Use soap and warm water and scrub for at least 20 seconds.
If you can’t get to a sink, hand sanitizer is the next best thing. Just make sure it contains at least 60% alcohol. Washing your hands is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself from getting sick. Make sure you do it often, especially if you’re around people who are already sick.
#2 – Keep everyday items clean
You come into contact with so many surfaces every day, and each of those surfaces could be covered in germs. That’s why it’s important to clean the things you use regularly, like doorknobs, countertops, light switches, phones, keyboards, and faucets. A quick wipe-down with disinfectant wipes or a spray will do the trick.
It’s also important to clean your clothes frequently, especially if you’ve been sweating or if they’re dirty. Wash them in hot water and put them in the dryer on high heat to kill any germs that might be lurking. And don’t forget about your bed! Sheets and pillowcases should be washed in hot water at least once a week.
#3 – Don’t share personal items
You may not think twice about sharing a drink with a friend, but you should definitely think twice about sharing anything that could transmit germs, like straws, cups, or utensils. If you must share, be sure to wash the item thoroughly with soap and water before using it again.
It’s also important to avoid sharing other personal items, like towels, razors, or clothing. If you’re sharing a bathroom with someone, be sure to keep your toothbrush in a cup or holder to avoid cross-contamination. You might also want to consider investing in some “personal” items, like hand soap, shampoo, and deodorant, to avoid using communal items.
#4 – Use a humidifier
Dry air can irritate your respiratory system and make you more susceptible to illness. If the air in your home is dry, consider using a humidifier to add moisture back into the air. This will help keep your nasal passages and throat moist, which can reduce your chances of getting sick. Just be sure to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
#5 – Get a flu shot
One of the best ways to protect yourself from the flu is to get a flu shot. The flu vaccine can help reduce your risk of getting sick by up to 60%. It’s especially important for people who are at high risk for complications from the flu, such as young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions. Even if you’re healthy, getting a flu shot can help protect others who are more vulnerable.
#6 – Get regular checkups
If you have a chronic health condition, such as diabetes or heart disease, it’s important to see your doctor regularly. This way, your doctor can monitor your condition and help you manage it. Getting regular checkups can also help catch any problems early before they become more serious.
#7 – Eat immune-boosting foods
There are many benefits to eating immune-boosting foods such as citrus fruits, garlic, and yogurt. Some of these benefits include keeping your immune system functioning properly, reducing the likelihood of getting sick, and improving your overall health. By incorporating immune-boosting foods into your diet, you can help keep yourself healthy and strong all winter long!
#8 – Get enough Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an important nutrient for keeping your immune system strong. You can get Vitamin D from spending time in the sun or by taking supplements. If you don’t get enough sun exposure, you may want to consider taking a Vitamin D supplement to ensure your body gets enough of this nutrient.
#9 – Drink tea
Tea has been shown to boost the immune system and help fight off infection. Green tea, in particular, is high in antioxidants that can help keep your body healthy. Tea is a great drink to enjoy in the morning or afternoon, and it can also be enjoyed at night. Some people like to add milk and sugar to their tea, while others prefer to drink it plain. Tea is a great way to relax and unwind, and it’s also a healthy beverage choice. Drink a cup or two of tea each day to enjoy the benefits!
#10 – Take deep breaths
Deep breathing is a great way to relax and reduce stress. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones that can make you more susceptible to illness. Taking deep breaths can help to calm your body and mind, and it’s a healthy habit to practice each day. Try taking a few deep breaths every hour, or whenever you feel yourself getting stressed.
Deep breathing is also a great way to improve your lung function. When you take deep breaths, your lungs expand and fill with air. This helps to improve their overall function and makes it easier for you to breathe. Deep breathing is a healthy habit that everyone should practice!
#11 – Quit smoking
We all know that smoking is bad for you, but for some reason, it’s hard to quit. Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, and a host of other health problems. If you’re trying to quit smoking, here are some tips that might help. First, make a plan. Decide when and how you’re going to quit. Second, gather support from your friends and family. They can help keep you on track. Third, find something else to do with your time. Smoking takes up a lot of time, so find something else to occupy your time. Finally, don’t give up! Quitting smoking is tough, but it’s worth it in the end.
#12 – Drink plenty of water
Water is essential for life – and it’s also essential for a healthy body. When you’re dehydrated, you can feel tired, dizzy and have a headache. You may even experience constipation or diarrhea. Drinking plenty of water can help to prevent all of these problems, as well as keep your skin looking good and your metabolism running smoothly. So drink up and feel better! It helps to flush toxins from your body, carry nutrients to your cells, and keep your skin healthy. Aim to drink eight glasses of water a day, or more if you are active or live in a hot climate.
#13 – Eat regularly
There is a lot of debate about how often you should eat and what you should eat and when. Some people swear by eating small meals every few hours, while others advocate for fasting or eating just one big meal per day. So, what’s the right way to eat for optimal health? The answer may be something in between – regular meals at consistent times throughout the day. Eating regularly helps your body maintain stable blood sugar levels, keeps your metabolism working effectively, and prevents cravings. If you’re trying to lose weight or improve your health, make sure to plan regular meals and snacks!
#14 – Get enough sleep
Many people don’t get enough sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need seven to eight hours of sleep a day. However, many people only get about six hours of sleep a day. This can lead to health problems such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. It can also lead to lower productivity and decreased cognitive function. Getting enough sleep is essential for good health and well-being. So make sure you’re getting the recommended amount of sleep each night!
#15 – Practice self-care
Self-care is important for your physical and mental health. It includes things like getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and managing stress. When you take care of yourself, you’re more likely to be able to fight off illnesses and stay healthy. No matter what your preferred method of self-care is, it’s important to make time for yourself! Taking care of yourself enables you to better take care of others and cope with stress. So make sure you’re taking the time to practice self-care every day!
#16 – Go outside
A recent study published in the journal “Nature” found that spending time outside is linked to better mental health. Researchers looked at data from over 1 million people across the globe and found that those who reported spending less than 30 minutes a day outside were more likely to suffer from anxiety, mood disorders, and psychotic problems. So go outside! Get some fresh air and enjoy the natural world around you. It’s good for your mental health!
#17 – Get moving
Exercise is not only good for your physical health, but it’s also good for your mental health. Exercise has been shown to help reduce anxiety and depression, improve brain function, and even increase lifespan. Here are a few tips to help you get started. First, find an activity that you enjoy, whether it’s swimming, biking, or playing sports. Next, set realistic goals and make a plan to stick to them. Finally, tell your friends and family about your goals so they can support you along the way. With a little bit of effort, you’ll be on your way to a healthier lifestyle in no time!
#18 – Adopt a pet
What could be more rewarding than giving a loving home to a pet in need? Pets provide us with companionship, love, and loyalty – and adopting a pet is one of the best things you can do for an animal in need. Plus, adopting a pet is also good for your family – research shows that children who grow up with pets are more likely to develop empathy and responsibility. So if you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, adoption is definitely the way to go!
#19 – Cut back on alcohol
We all know that drinking too much alcohol can be bad for our health – but did you know that just cutting back on your alcohol intake can have a big impact? Just by reducing your intake of alcohol, you can lower your risk of developing cancer, improve your cardiovascular health, and reduce your risk of developing obesity. So if you’re looking to improve your health, cutting back on alcohol is a great place to start.
#20 – Clean the kitchen carefully
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house when it comes to preventing illness. Make sure you clean all surfaces, including countertops, cutting boards, and knives, with hot soapy water after each use. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw meat, poultry, or seafood. And be sure to clean all cooking utensils, dishes, pots, and pans thoroughly as well.
Another way to help keep your kitchen clean is to keep it organized. Store all food in covered containers and make sure to throw out any expired or spoiled food items regularly. By keeping your kitchen clean and organized, you can help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.
#21 – Maintain a healthy gut
The gut is home to 70% of the body’s immune system, so it makes sense that a healthy gut equals a strong immune system. There are a few things you can do to maintain a healthy gut, such as eating probiotic-rich foods, avoiding processed foods, and reducing stress. Probiotic-rich foods include yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso. You can also take a probiotic supplement if you’d like. Reducing stress is important for gut health as well since chronic stress can lead to gut inflammation. Some ways to reduce stress include exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature.
Conclusion
Although we can’t promise you’ll never get sick, following these healthy habits will definitely increase your chances of staying healthy all year long. Do any of these healthy habits seem like something you could start doing today? We would love to hear about your journey in adopting these new healthy habits in the comments below.
