The wet season is upon us! As we stay indoors more and humidity rises, we often catch colds or other viruses. In order to stay healthy, follow these five simple rules:
#1 Wash your hands
According to research, when someone is sick in an office, it takes around four hours for surfaces like door handles, photocopier buttons, and phones to show traces of infectious viruses, so it’s a no-brainer to wash your hands, especially while everybody is coughing and spluttering around you.
#2 Eat clean
While there is no way to cure the common cold or flu, clean eating can keep your immune system elevated. Consuming a variety of high quality foods and avoiding sugars or processed ingredients can ensure you’re getting the vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients your body needs to support your system.
#3 Quit smoking
If you’re a smoker, now might be the time, rather than January, to consider quitting. As humidity rises, your respiratory system will begin to work harder to fight pollution and bacteria so you might be more susceptible to infections than a non-smoker.
#4 Keep drinking water
Stay hydrated and make sure to get enough rest when traveling, especially on long-haul flights. (Pro tip: Take Eucalyptus oil to help keep sinus and airways clear—excuse the pun.)
#5 Take it easy
While exercising regularly is great, it might also be best to choose a lower intensity activity during the first weeks of the wet season as your body adjusts to the change of climate. Remember that it’s not about the hours you put in but rather the quality of your training.
There are also some foods that may boost the immune system. Click through the slideshow above to see our top five picks!
Sargon Petros is the founder and CEO of Better Health.
Art by Dorothy Guya