The COVID pandemic has made us realise just how important hand washing is and we now see hand sanitiser everywhere we go. But did you know there are other precautions we can put in place to protect our bodies and build up our immune system? By following these simple steps, you’ll help your body fight off bad bacteria and decrease the risk of getting knocked down by the flu!
1. Get plenty of sleep*
We know, you have heard it all before. But the benefits of getting enough sleep for your body are so important! Studies have found that people who sleep for less than 6 hours a night were more likely to catch a flu than those who get the ideal 7-9 hours (1). If you struggle to sleep, you could try some of these tips:
- Eliminate screen time half an hour before bed or use blue light glasses
- Try to make the room completely dark or use a sleep mask
- Aim to set the room temperature of 18.3 °C give or take a couple of degrees – this is the ideal
- Avoid caffeinated drinks or high intake of sugar from about 3pm
- Set a routine of going to bed and waking up the same time each day
- Switch on your LeRêve Ultrasonic Diffuser with our Sweet Sleep Blend
2. Adopt a nutritious diet
Your diet is key to fuelling your body with the right nutrients that boost your immune system. Whole plant foods like fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes are rich in nutrients and antioxidants that may give you the upper hand you need during flu season. Food’s high in fibre can also improve gut health which could have a significant influence on your body’s health and ability to fight viruses. Ensuring your diet is also high in micronutrients such as Vitamin B6 (found in chicken, salmon, tuna, bananas and vegetables), Vitamin C (found in citrus fruit, tomatoes, broccoli and spinach) and Vitamin E (found in almonds, peanut butter, sunflower oil and seeds) will also help.
3. Stay hydrated
Whilst hydration won’t necessarily protect you from germs and viruses, avoiding dehydration will enable you to minimise the risk of other illnesses that affect your physical performance, focus, mood, digestion, and heart and kidney functions. These type of health complications will increase your susceptibility to illnesses. Carry a large 2-3L water bottle with you and aim to drink it before 3pm. Super charge your drinking water with electrolytes.
4. Manage your stress levels
We all get stressed at times, but have you ever noticed how fatigued and how poorly your body functions when you are sick? This is because long-term stress promotes inflammation, as well as imbalances in immune cell function. To manage stress levels, you can practice a range of wellness strategies such as yoga, journaling, exercise and other mindfulness practices. Daily use of LeRêve’s Stress-Less Blend may help.
5. Just Add Aromatherapy
Essential oils are a form of alternative medicine which have been around for thousands of years. Small amounts of certain Essential Oils can go a long way in helping get rid of bacteria and viruses in our body and our environment. Try our Winter Wellness Blend – an anti-bacterial blend containing Essential Oils that have been traditionally used in aromatherapy to help alleviate the discomfort of colds and flu, ease congestion and clear nasal passages.
Single Essential Oils which may help boost your immunity and decrease the chance of falling sick include:
- Frankincense Pure Essential Oil
- Eucalyptus / Cedarwood Pure Essential Oil
- Lemon Pure Essential Oil
- Tea Tree Pure Essential Oil
- Lavender Pure Essential Oil
Diffuse them in your home, apply them topically to your skin and add a few drops to your morning or evening shower for an invigorating burst.
*Sleep Foundation, https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need, referenced March 2021
