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Winter is coming--and with it comes cold and flu season. That’s bad news for all of us, but especially for brides getting married during the winter months. The last thing you want is to get sick in the days leading up to the main event. So take note of these eight tips to ward off any illness before the wedding.
Sleep.
The stress and excitement in the weeks leading up to the wedding can lead to some sleepless nights. But research shows that getting enough sleep helps boost your immune system--not to mention that you look and feel better after getting the recommended eight hours.
Eat healthy foods.
Eating a diet rich in lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help ward off illness. Some foods that can help prevent colds and flu include
Wash your hands
Germs are picked up easily through doorknobs, keyboards, and escalator rails, just to name a few. Washing your hands five times a day with warm soap and water has been proven to cut the risk of illness by 45 percent. Be sure to wash for 20 seconds (hum the words to "Happy Birthday" in your head to make sure you're doing it long enough), and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Skip the alcohol
While red wine is good for your health, drinking too much can interfere with sleep.
Drink green tea
Research shows it can help boost the immune system. And don’t forget to add lemon or honey--lemon thins mucus, while honey is antibacterial.
Try supplements
Even if you eat a healthy diet, give your body a boost by adding a few supplements to your daily routine during this stressful time. Vitamins A and C have been proven to prevent the flu and cold, while research has shown that people who took one garlic supplement per day were less likely to get a cold--and if they did, their symptoms were less severe and they recovered faster.
Relax
Studies have shown that stress promotes the release of a hormone that can prevent the immune system from working properly. So take a yoga class, treat yourself to a massage, or simply meditate to give yourself some much-needed R&R.
Wipe things down
Any surfaces that you touch often--your keyboard at work, doorknobs, cell phone, etc.--should get wiped down with antibacterial wipes at least once a week. Rhinoviruses can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours
