Staying in good health is usually a top priority for most people, but during the coronavirus global pandemic, staying healthy might be more important than ever before. Experts are recommending we practice social distancing to stay healthy and slow the spread of COVID-19. But aside from social distancing, there are plenty of other things you can do, to keep yourself well. Here are six simple ways to protect your immune system while practicing social distancing.
1. Break a sweat
Exercising may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re looking to protect your immune system, but it’s true: working out can actually help keep you healthy. There’s a few reasons why this is the case. For example, exercise may help flush bacteria out of your airways, lowering your chances of getting a cold or other illness. Plus, when your body heats up during your workout, that rise in temperature may help your body better fight infections.
2. Rest up
While social distancing, it’s very likely your sleep schedule is a little different. Make sure you’re resting up, and getting adequate sleep every night, to protect your immune system while social distancing. Sleeping can help prevent illnesses, and also help you recover from illnesses quicker. Experts say adequate sleep is a necessity to help your body fight off diseases.
3. Get into a good hand washing routine
It’s common sense that washing hands will help keep germs at bay, but especially while social distancing, it’s very important to wash your hands more than usual. Wash up after you touch communal surfaces, when you get back home after leaving the house, and periodically throughout the day. Also, make sure you’re washing your hands properly, and scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.
4. Eat a colorful plate
Colorful fruits and vegetables could be the key to keeping you healthy while social distancing. Fruits and vegetables provide your body with nutrients that are crucial for keeping illnesses away, such as Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc. These nutrients are shown to help your body stay healthy, and also help your body recover from illnesses faster. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables throughout the day will help ensure your body is properly fueled to keep you healthy.
5. Minimize your alcohol consumption
While it may be tempting to play bartender while social distancing, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can make you more susceptible to getting sick. Excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact your health in many ways, but it can have negative effects on your immune system, leaving you more likely to get sick.
6. Keep your cool
This can be a stressful and unsettling time, but lowering your stress levels can help keep you healthy. Stress actually weakens your body’s immune system, and leaves you more likely to get sick. So try to find ways to naturally unwind, and feel stress-free while social distancing, in order to maximize your chances of staying healthy.
