How to Stay Healthy During Cold & Flu Season ❄️🤧

Cold and flu season can sneak up on all of us, bringing runny noses, coughs, and the occasional sick day that slows us down. The good news? There’s a lot you can do to stay ahead of it. Staying healthy is all about supporting your immune system, staying mindful of your environment, and making choices that keep your body resilient.

1. Prioritize Quality Sleep 💤

Your immune system does most of its repair work while you sleep. Adults should aim for 7–9 hours per night. Create a bedtime routine that helps you wind down—dim the lights, put away screens, sip a calming tea ☕, and keep your bedroom cool and quiet.

2. Nourish Your Body with Immune-Boosting Foods 🥦🍊

Eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to load up on vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, kiwi, and bell peppers can support your immune system. Don’t forget zinc sources such as pumpkin seeds, beans, and whole grains, which are essential for immune cell production.

Earthy Picks : Chicks in a Curry Bowl

3. Stay Hydrated 💧

It’s easy to drink less water when it’s cooler outside, but hydration is just as important in the winter as in the summer. Water helps flush toxins and keeps mucous membranes moist, which can help defend against pathogens. Aim for 8 cups a day and mix it up with herbal teas or warm lemon water 🍋 for extra comfort.

4. Wash Your Hands (and Your Phone!) 🧼📱

This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent illness. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds—especially after being in public spaces. Don’t forget to disinfect your phone, keys, and other high-touch objects regularly.

5. Keep Moving 🏃‍♀️🚶‍♂️

Exercise boosts circulation, reduces stress, and supports immune function. You don’t need to overdo it—a daily walk, yoga session, or quick bodyweight workout can make a big difference in keeping your body strong. If you’re in the Orlando area, join the Lake Eola Run | Walk Club 🏞️ for a weekly wellness boost! It’s a fun and social way to get outside, move your body, and connect with others while staying consistent with your health goals.

Lake Eola Run/Walk Club

6. Manage Stress Levels 🧘🕯️

Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to illness. Practice mindfulness, journaling, or deep breathing exercises to keep stress under control. Even 5 minutes a day can have a positive impact.

7. Supplement Wisely 💊

If you’re not getting enough nutrients from your diet, you might consider a high-quality multivitamin or specific immune-supporting supplements like vitamin D, vitamin C, and probiotics (always check with your healthcare provider before starting new supplements).

8. Listen to Your Body 🛌

If you start feeling under the weather, slow down and give your body what it needs—rest, warm fluids, and extra care. Catching symptoms early can prevent a minor illness from becoming a major one.

Earthy Picks Loves to Support Your Wellness 🌱🥣

At Earthy Picks Vegan, we’re passionate about keeping our community feeling good, inside and out. Our fresh, plant-based bowls, soups, and cold-pressed juices 🥤 are packed with nutrients to help keep your immune system strong through the season. Stop by and grab a wellness-boosting meal the next time you’re in Downtown Orlando—we’ve got your back all year long.