Since we are going out back into the real world, and adjusting to the “new normal”, that still doesn’t mean the danger of COVID-19 is gone. That simply means that although there is a pandemic going on, life must go on. However, we must proceed with caution.
We’ve been reading up on the easiest way to transition back to work, getting back to our habits or simply starting to see people (while social distancing). With the spread of the coronavirus still very much present, we have gathered several steps you can take to reduce your chances of being exposed to viruses; These tips can also help boost your immunity in the event of exposure. With this list, we hope that you can feel safer in your place of work or while going about your daily tasks.
Immunity: the quality or state of being immune
especially: a condition of being able to resist a particular disease especially through preventing development of a pathogenic microorganism or by counteracting the effects of its products
Merriam-Webster
Some preventative behavior that has been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce chances of exposure include:
Hand washing (with soap and water): Probably one of the most important behaviors you should adhere to, now more than ever. However, hands can get pretty dry from repetitive washing, so keep a moisturizer around to counter that. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds or sing the happy birthday song twice, it’s your call.
If hand washing is not a possibility in the meantime (let’s say you’re on the run), hand sanitizers are a viable option that helps reduce the spread of infection as well. One thing to keep in mind is avoiding products that contain triclosan, which is a known hormone-disrupting chemical.
Covering your mouth and nose: Gear up folks! You should not be leaving the house without your gloves and masks until further notice. Now is not really the time to risk things, especially since more people are heading outside. Also, always cough or sneeze into your sleeve, not your bare hands.
Not touching your face: Do not touch your face! Apart from the obvious reasons of contributing to clogged pores and breakouts, touching your face means spreading germs from your hands onto your face. Since the route of entry of the virus into the body is through your face you’re better off resisting. Besides, it’s good hygiene practice after all.
Keeping surfaces clean: Disinfect all surfaces in your home, or work place frequently, especially if they are frequently touched ones like your office desks, chair or door handles. Any shared spaces should be cleaned and sanitized regularly also.
Apart from preventative behavior, there are individual lifestyle strategies that you can make sure you are following because if you can’t control the people around you, the best you can do is take all the necessary steps to avoid getting infected.
Stress reduction: Let’s be real, telling you not to stress out right now is a joke in itself. However, maybe we can convince you to take things day by day since chronic stress has been shown to negatively alter immune system responses, which will ultimately make it more likely for you to get sick. Our advice? Find what stress reduction strategies work for you and practice them daily.
Sleep: If you need a reason to get more sleep, this is one. The next time someone tells you you’re sleeping too much, tell them that sleep is your ally and you are only working on aiding your immune function. Or just cut them off, you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life right now (JK!) In all seriousness, it is absolutely crucial to be practicing a good sleep regimen nowadays.
Exercise: We’ve all been told that the benefits of exercise are amazing, from helping us keep to our preferred weight, to improving our mental health. Most importantly it helps us fight off infections. Exercise protects us by raising levels of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies, increasing circulation, and decreasing stress hormones (all of which we need right now).
Nutritious diet: Last but not least, food is thy medicine. Research has shown for many years that having a balanced and nutritious diet can keep you from getting sick. Whereas a diet high in processed foods, refined grains, and added sugar is linked to inflammation in the body and chronic disease. If you were waiting for that lifestyle change light bulb moment, now is the time.
Now that we’ve gone through all the basics of immunity health and strategies and lifestyle changes that strengthen host defense, we would like to empower you to take charge of your health and realize that you are capable of practicing all these things that can prevent you from getting sick while still going back out there and resuming real life.
If you’re wanting to know which specific foods/food groups give your immunity that boost it needs, click here!
