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Middle-aged woman reading book by fireplaceWith the approach of winter, cold season isn’t far behind. It’s not the cold weather that gets us sick, at least not directly, anyway. Rather, because it’s cold outside, more of us are stuck indoors, making it easier for bacteria to spread from one person to the other. When there’s lots of stress and germs, there’s lots of pressure on the immune system to function properly.

We need to make a conscious effort to strengthen our immunity and try to de-stress, at least a little. One thing we can do to be proactive is to take a little time out of each busy day to decompress.

The lives of professionals are extremely busy, as we run around trying to keep appointments, answer emails, and meet project deadlines. But, for the sake of your own health, it is vital to unwind every day in a quiet atmosphere.

So, what’s the best way to unwind? Try reading a book or meditating early in the morning. Spend some time at the beginning of your day taking purposeful breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth while thinking about the day ahead. It can help give you perspective and help you approach the day calmly. Practicing the same technique in the evening after a long day can also be a great way to de-stress.

Also, you may want to spend the evening writing the day’s events in a journal. This can help calm you down and allow you to unwind. In addition, a little bit of classical music playing in the background with your dinner may help you move on from the day’s events toward a more restful evening or weekend.

Most importantly, in addition to trying to de-stress, you also need to strengthen your immune system. Eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains to keep your immune system up and running all winter long.