Although the summer cold is nothing more than the common cold making its summer appearance, it feels like a different kind of sickness. Perhaps that’s because, when you catch a cold in the summertime, you wind up missing out on fun activities and good weather, (as opposed to the winter, when you were probably going to stay under the covers anyways!). Also, the high temperatures outside can exacerbate a cold, making you feel doubly uncomfortable.
The good news is that you’re not helpless against the summer cold – there are ways to avoid it. Of course, there is never a 100% guarantee that you’re going to outpace the common cold, but these five tips can certainly help. Read on for some interesting common cold counterattacks – some of which you’ve probably heard, and others that might surprise you!
Get A Good Night’s Sleep
That’s right, rest is very important to a well-functioning immune system. If you’re constantly fatigued from not getting enough beauty rest, your immune system is working at a suboptimal level, since your body is preoccupied using its resources to keep you functioning. Turn off the cell phone a couple hours before bed, count some sheep and get to bed at a reasonable hour – the common cold won’t know what hit it.
Wash Your Hands
This is an oldie but a goodie. The first thing about germs they teach you in elementary school is still a great tip and one that not enough people follow. If you touch public items, like doorknobs, bus handles, phone receivers, staplers – the list goes on – then wash up afterwards, certainly before you bring your hands any closer to your face.
Visit A Chiropractor
This one may surprise you, but one of the benefits of regular chiro visits is a boosted immune system. The nervous system and the immune system work closely together, so the health of one directly affects the wellbeing of the other. Chiropractic patients often report having an easier, quicker time to recover from colds, as well as a stronger immune system. If you feel like you’re the type of person who gets sick easily and stays sick for longer, perhaps chiropractic care is exactly what you need.
Be Active
There are several scientific explanations for how exercise can help combat the common cold. Exercise can help flush bacteria from the lungs; it can help the body develop more useful antibodies; and it can release some pretty potent anti-stress hormones, which help the immune system function better.
Eat Well
Of course, you don’t need yet another article extolling the virtues of fruit and veggies… or maybe you do. Foods rich in vitamins, minerals, probiotics or fibre can all help the body stay in tip-top shape, able to battle any cold that might come along. That doesn’t mean you can never have a burger (what would summer be without them?), but try and also get your daily recommended amount of fruits and veggies.
One extra bonus tip to consider is your drinking water. It goes without saying that sharing water bottles and cups is one of the easiest and quickest ways to spread germs and catch a cold. Always ensure you get the best quality to drink, and make sure to keep your bottle to yourself!
You may not be able to outrun the common cold forever, but these five tips can give you an awfully good head start!
