In difficult times like this, with the coronavirus officially becoming a global pandemic, we need to take personal measures to keep our health in shape. In these days, many people do an amazing job to keep our society still going. We send our warmest thanks to everybody in the public health sector, transportation, military defence, police, emergency services, store employees, warehouse personnel, finance, politicians and ALL others who work day and night and are invaluable in today’s situation.

We encourage you to do your best to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming sick. So how should we try to prevent getting sick and how can we boost our immune system in these times?

By following your government’s health recommendations, you have the best chance to side-step viruses and colds… Below, we have listed 5 general tips to boost your immune system. Taking these measures can help you avoid sickness or reduce your symptoms.

1. Practice good hygiene

Simply wash your hands at least for 20 seconds with soap and warm water as often as possible. It’s a timeless advice to help prevent sickness, given that most cold viruses are spread by direct contact. You probably do this already, but it’s important to cover the basics first.

2. Prioritize exercise if you are well

While cooler months can keep you inside, make an effort to exercise regularly if you do not show any symptoms. Heart-pounding, aerobic movement helps increase your body’s natural virus-killing cells. With every sweat session, you’re building the strength which helps prevent getting sick. If you’re one of those people who can’t afford to get sick, move that body. But in case you are at risk because of serious health challenges, we strongly advise that you take it easy and focus on normal walks, if this is currently possible in your country.

3. Eat a balanced diet

In times when we focus on life at home and avoid any unnecessary social activity, we advise you to make the best effort to fill your fridge with healthy foods. Grab nutrient-rich foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole-grain producs, and lean proteins. Good fats and complex carbs help to keep your immune system in top shape.

Put these foods on your shopping list:

• Dark, leafy greens
• Avocados
• Legumes
• Salmon
• Eggs
• Rice
• Non-starchy vegetables

4. De-stress, naturally

Explore different ways to reduce stress without straining your body. When you relax, your immune system gets stronger – so proper sleep is essential to keeping your immune system function at its best. Try to focus on a power nap if this is possible, meditation, journaling, reading, listening to music, going for a walk, stretching on a yoga mat, visualization exercises, cooking, having no-screen time or experimenting with a new hobby at home.