#10Things You Can Do To Stay Healthy

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This year, it seems like everyone has had a cold or the flu. There are ways to boost your immunity and decrease your chances of catching what is going around. Here are #10things you can do to stay healthy.

1. Wash your hands.

This is our number one defense. A proper hand wash includes warm water, soap, rinsing and drying with a clean unused towel. This process should last at least 20 seconds, or the time it takes to sing happy birthday. Wash before and after guests, after the bathroom, before cooking or eating, when you get home and while you are in populated places.

2. Sleep.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine concluded that adults with less than seven hours of sleep were more likely to develop a cold than those with eight hours.

3. Eat well.

Immunity boosting foods such as chicken soup, green tea, garlic, salmon, ginger, yogurt and sweet potatoes help your body’s defenses.

4. Hydrate.

We are 60% water! Maintaining proper hydration allows our bodies to transport nutrients, prevent muscle fatigue, reduce inflammation and digest food properly.

5. De-Stress.

Go for a walk, stretch or meditate. Stress breaks down our immune systems and increases our chances of getting sick.

6. Disinfect.

Door knobs, the phone, computer keyboard, hand rails, refrigerator handle and lunch table are all common areas that should be disinfected regularly.

7. Don’t touch.

Keep hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth. Viruses enter the body through these pathways – avoid assisting them.

8. Inhale essential oils.

Lemon, peppermint, lavender, tea tree and thieves blend can be inhaled throughout the day to help prevent illness. Diffusing oils is also popular. Just make sure the diffuser is clean, and the oils are good quality.

9. Don’t overdo it.

Packed schedules, partying, traveling and working consistent overtime may cause your immune system to malfunction. Knowing your body and balancing your social calendar will give your body the time it needs to maintain its immunity.

10. Consider probiotics.

More and more studies show the importance of gut health and the effects it has on our immune system.

These #10things will help us avoid sick days and keep us profitable. Share these tips with your team, family and clients. Remember, the healthier you are, the better your skin looks.

Si Author D Crossett 3005

Founder and owner of the San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology since 2002, Deedee Crossett is an industry pioneer for raising the bar of undergraduate education for cosmetologists and estheticians. She can be reached at www.facebook.com/deedee.crossett and Twitter @DeedeeCrossett #10things.

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