flu

If it feels like you're constantly battling a cold, a weakened immune system might be to blame. Making a few changes to your lifestyle can help strengthen your body's ability to fight back against pesky germs and keep you feeling healthy.

1. Drink green tea: Green tea can help you lose weight and de-stress, but it has also been linked to preventing the flu. In a study, Japanese children who drank green tea six times a week were less likely to catch a bug than their peers.
2. Work out consistently: According to the American College of Sports Medicine, people who exercise on a regular basis report fewer colds than their inactive peers. Studies have shown a 25 to 50 percent decrease in sick time for people who take part in moderate exercise for at least 45 minutes most days of the week.
3. Promote positivity: When you're feeling down and negative, you might be doing more harm to your body than you realize. Keeping your attitude light and happy can do more than help you stop stressing; optimism also boosts your immunity.
4. Keep your sweet tooth in check: Naturopath practitioner Dr. Holly Lucille explains that too much sugar is one of the biggest problems that contributes to being "immuno-compromised or susceptible to catching flus." Limiting your sugar intake will help toughen up your immune system for the long haul.

Keep reading for more ways to prevent bugs and boost your immunity.

Of course you already know how to wash your hands, but since regular hand washing is one of the best defenses against catching a cold, keep these three things in mind the next time you hit the sink.

1. Move your rings: Germs are so tiny, they can hide anywhere, so slide any rings up toward your second knuckle when washing hands. To wash the actual rings, slowly spin them around (being careful not to drop them down the drain).
2. Scratch your palms: Germs lurk underneath your fingernails too, so when you lather up your hands, gently alternate scratching your palm with the opposite hand — don't forget your thumbnails too.
3. Time is everything: Don't rush. Lather up your hands for at least 20 seconds (you can slowly sing the ABCs or "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"). Use the time to wash every part of your hands including your wrists, around your cuticles, the area between the fingers, and the backs of your palms.

Your loved ones might beg you to cut back, but Winter is the time to embrace your garlic breath. The reason? Full of antioxidants and a natural anti-inflammatory, garlic has been linked to warding off colds. To make an even more compelling case, garlic contains allicin, the active ingredient that fights infection and bacteria. In one study, British researchers gave 146 people either a placebo or a garlic extract for 12 weeks; the garlic takers were two-thirds less likely to catch a cold.

But there's no reason to force yourself to chew on raw garlic cloves or brew stinky tea. There are plenty of delicious ways to bring this bacteria-fighting bulb to the table that only enhance your recipe's flavor. This lightened-up, low-cal version of fettuccine alfredo uses a whopping eight cloves of garlic in the recipe! If that's too much for your taste buds, simply toss your salad in a healthy homemade grapeseed oil dressing that includes garlic and also adds some detox power with a little lemon juice.

If you're feeling sick but only have a cold (and not the dreaded flu that's going around), then you're in luck. You can still exercise if you've got above-the-neck symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and a sore throat (but not a fever). And since exercising helps boost your immune system and can make you feel better faster, sticking to a less-intense version of your normal workout routine is a healthy decision. Here are four workouts you can do if you've got the cold.

• Relaxing yoga: Try a slow yoga sequence, not a fast-paced Vinyasa yoga, to help stretch out your body and relieve tension. This restorative yoga sequence will help you feel better fast.
• Swimming: Now's not the time to do timed laps, but a low-impact pool exercise routine won't be too hard on your body.
• Jogging: When you're sick, experts recommend you exercise at 50 percent of your normal intensity, and slowly work your way up from there until you feel better. This walk-jogging workout is slow enough to keep you from overexerting yourself; cut it to 30 minutes if you don't have the energy for an hour.
• Easy elliptical: Likewise, a mellow elliptical routine will still burn calories, open up your lungs, and make you feel better. This 35-minute beginner elliptical workout is a good go-to workout when you're sick.

The workplace can be a party for germs. Protect yourself and your co-workers by preventing some of the airborne illnesses that go around. Here are three quick fixes you can make today for better health, immunity, and even concentration for the workweek.

Get a plant or succulent for your desk top: Although they're also pretty to look at, plants help with air quality. Potted plants have been used for their ability to elevate mood and concentration and reverse indoor pollution. Scientific research has even been able to prove these live desk ornaments are better air regulators than a mechanical humidifier. Go for Bamboo Palm, Chrysanthemums, or Peace Lillies for the full effect.

Open a window if you can: It's no surprise that good ventilation decreases airborne infections. Even hospitals are brushing the dust off their window sills to let in the fresh air. While sanitizing your space can be beneficial to fighting germs, simply opening a window may be even more beneficial, and less costly. Cleaning a surface in excess can fight even the good microbes in an area, while opening your window will simply ward off the bad ones by circling in fresh air.

Keep an antibacterial gel at your desk: The workspace is full of handshaking, touching elevator keys, and sharing doorknobs, so washing your hands is crucial. By keeping an alcohol-based sanitizing gel at your desk, you can make sure you keep the germs off without having to run to the restroom after every encounter. It also serves as a handy cleaner for others to use while they visit your side of the office.