6 Easy Ways to Ward off a Cold this Winter

Considering how miserable colds are and that they can easily lead to a raging case of the flu, bronchitis, or a variety of other winter ailments, stopping them before they start is definitely well worth the effort. 

1. Build Up Your Immunity
The first way to keep from getting a cold this winter is to take care of your immune system.  This is easily accomplished by eating right, staying active, consuming vitamin C, and taking a multivitamin every day.  Many foods can help in this endeavor, such as citrus fruits, garlic, tomatoes, ginger, and onions.  Garlic contains powerful antioxidants, which is extremely helpful.  If you’re opposed to the taste (or smell) of garlic, try garlic supplements instead.

2. Get Your Zzzzzs
You must get plenty of sleep in the winter to keep from catching a cold.  Sleep is the body's way of revitalizing itself.  It uses sleep it restore energy.  When the body is run-down, it is much more susceptible to germs, which ultimately leads to getting sick.

3. Drink Up
Drinking plenty of water is also a great way to ward off a winter cold.  It hydrates your body, which is essential to keeping healthy.  Moreover, water flushes toxins out of the body.  When coupled with plenty of rest and the intake of essential vitamins and antioxidants, this is an excellent way to remain healthy during the colder months.

4. Keep Hygiene Top of Mind
Naturally, germs are the culprit when it comes to passing colds around.  At school, at the office, and even out doing errands, you run the risk of picking up someone else's germs at almost every opportunity.  Hygiene is thus incredibly important during the winter months.  You should wash your hands before eating, as well as after touching often-used surfaces (such as phones, television remotes, etc.).

5. Get Moving
As briefly mentioned, exercising is an excellent way to stay away from winter colds as well.  There is no need to over-do it, but going for a brisk 30-mintue walk 4-5 times a week provides plenty of regular activity. If you prefer to exercise at your gym, just make sure you take sanitary precautions as to avoid the risk of picking up a bug.

6. Indulge a Bit
Finally, and perhaps unbelievably, chocolate is great at protecting the body against colds.  Specifically, it is not only fine to eat a little bit of dark chocolate each day, it is actually recommended because of its powerful antioxidant properties.

Incorporate the following tips into your daily routine, and you’ll be steps ahead of a nasty winter cold this year!