Having a robust immune system will help you stay healthy and energetic enough to meet your responsibilities and smash your goals. However, as the weather gets colder, it can be harder to battle the different illnesses flying around.

Here are six ways you can strengthen your immune system and combat the germs that will bring you down.

Get Your Vitamins

Believe it or not, vitamin deficiencies are quite common. This challenge is primarily because the modern diet doesn’t have the variability and nutrient-rich components our ancestors enjoyed. While the best way to get enough vitamins to prevent illness and boost your immune system is through your diet, supplementing can help fill the gaps.

Look for a multivitamin that fits your specific needs. For example, a women’s multivitamin will often have more calcium to offset the risk of osteoporosis. Vegetarian vitamins will often have more vitamin B12 to replace what’s usually found in meat sources. Taking a vitamin can help bolster your immune system and keep you healthy.

Practice Stress Reduction

When you get stressed out, your body gets depleted. By having strong coping mechanisms to reduce stress, you’ll be protecting your immune system. 

There are many ways to practice stress reduction. Meditation is a powerful mindfulness practice that can help let go of negative thoughts. Journaling can help you reframe negative experiences into positive learnings. Prioritize self-care practices that help you de-stress and unwind.

Wash Your Hands Regularly

In many ways, the world is over-sterilized. Overuse of antibiotics and sanitizers have created resistance in common cold and flu strains. So, while you should avoid over sanitization, regularly washing your hands is an effective way to boost your immunity and limit the spread of germs.

Follow smart handwashing protocols, using hot water and soap, and scrubbing in between your fingers and under your nails.

Drink Lots of Water

Not only does drinking water help flush your system of germs and toxins, but it also promotes gut health. Proper gut health plays a crucial role in your overall immune system. Drink a minimum of the recommended eight glasses a day, making adjustments based on your body size and activity levels.

Focus on Gut Health

Speaking of gut health, in addition to drinking water, you should reintroduce healthy bacteria to the gut. Eating fermented foods and food rich in probiotics and prebiotics can have a positive impact on your immune system.

Additionally, eating food that’s rich in fiber to help regulate digestion can have lasting positive impacts on your overall health and wellness.

Exercise

Regular exercise can help reduce stress, assist with weight management, flush toxins from your body, and improve your cardiovascular health. All of these play a key role in boosting your immune system.

The one caveat is for those who frequently engage in high-intensity training. Allow yourself ample time for recovery and regeneration, as over-training can have the opposite effect on your immune system. Listen to your body and lower the intensity when you’re feeling unwell.

By following these six practices, you’ll enhance your immune system and be ready to duke it out during cold and flu season. Take a habit-building approach and focus on improving one area at a time until it becomes routine.