It’s safe to say that no one likes being sick. Being under the weather usually involves missing work or school and having to cancel plans with friends, not to mention all of the nasty symptoms and potential long-term health consequences that accompany various illnesses. Contracting an illness is unavoidable in many cases, but adhering to the following guidelines will increase your chances of staying healthy.
Get Enough Sleep
Studies have shown that the vast majority of adults require seven to nine hours of sleep each night in order to keep our immune systems in optimal condition. Skimping on sleep weakens the body’s natural defense system and makes it more susceptible to infection. Warding off sickness isn’t the only reason to get a healthy amount of sleep: sleep-deprived people have difficulty with concentration and memory, and lack of sleep has been linked to weight gain.
Stay Away from Sick People
Since many diseases are contagious, a good way to avoid contracting one is to stay away from anyone who admits to feeling sick or shows symptoms. In addition to catching an illness from the respiratory droplets of an infected person, it is also very easy to get sick by touching something that an infected person recently touched. Avoid germ-covered objects for a fighting chance at staying sickness-free.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Food is fuel, and giving your body high-quality fuel is one of the best ways to make sure that it operates efficiently and is unlikely to succumb to any particular sickness. Fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains are important parts of a well-balanced diet. When in doubt, try to include as many different colors on your plate during any given meal as possible. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the occasional sweet treat, but it is best to keep highly processed and sugary desserts to a minimum.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
The human body is composed of up to 60% water, and drinking several glasses a day keeps all of the body’s internal processes running smoothly. If you do manage to come into contact with an illness-causing virus or bacteria, you will be able to fight it off much more effectively if your body is well-hydrated. Try carrying a water bottle with you or keeping a full glass of water by your side to make it easy and convenient to drink throughout the day.
Getting sick is never fun, but there are many ways to be proactive and stave off illness. Try to take steps each day to improve both your physical and mental health, and both your body and your mind will thank you in the long run.
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