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  1 / 7 1. Wash your hands thoroughly

  Photo: John Tomaselli / www.123rf.com

  Though it seems so simple, washing your hands properly is actually as effective as giving yourself a mini vaccine. It’s one of the best ways to rid dirt and germs to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. If that isn’t enough to convince you, consider this: participants in a study published by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found bacteria of faecal origin in 44 per cent of samples where participants didn’t wash their hands. Gross.

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  2 / 7 2. Just chill

  Photo: Wavebreak Media Ltd / www.123rf.com

  Chronic stress suppresses your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds and flus. Find a healthy outlet to release tension. It could be hanging out with friends, doing a sport you enjoy, or even learning something new. Here are five ways to relax.

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  3 / 7 3. Clock more sleep

  Photo: Dean Drobot / www.123rf.com

  You knew this was coming. According to a study published in the Pflugers Archiv – European Journal of Physiology, sleep – or a lack of it – influences and affects your immune system in a big way. Sleep deprivation compromises your body’s immune function, and causes stress and inflammation levels to spike. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night – your body will thank you for it!

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  4 / 7 4. Make more friends

  Photo: tomwang / www.123rf.com

  Health-wise, it pays to be a social butterfly. Researchers at the Carnegie Mellon University found that a lack of social support actually ups one’s risk of depression. The feelings of loneliness also weaken immunity. Think about it – having no one to turn to if you’ve had a bad day just fuels psychological and emotional stress. In the long run, that’s a sure recipe for poor health. 

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  5 / 7 5. Eat well

  Photo: alien / www.123rf.com

  Diet definitely plays a big role in determining how well your body functions. Beyond filling your plate with superfoods rich in antioxidants (think colourful fresh fruits and vegetables), it’s also a good idea to load up on probiotics. These ‘good bacteria’ help to keep your gut strong and healthy to fend off infections.

  (Also Read: 12 Immunity-Boosting Foods That Will Help You Stay Healthy)

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  6 / 7 6. Get moving

  Photo: Andrei Zaripov / www.123rf.com

  Every bit of exercise counts. Make it a point to move more, even if you’re just taking a walk. Keeping active staves off a list of conditions and illnesses, and is thought to boost the circulation of antibodies to fight off germs and diseases.

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  7 / 7 7. LOL

  Photo: Anna Bizon / www.123rf.com

  Go ahead and LOL (laugh out loud) – it’s good for you! Laughing helps to ease stress and relieve tension, and also boosts a type of white blood cell in your body that combats infections.

  (Also read: 5 Personal Hygiene Habits to Help Ward Off Viruses)

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1. Wash your hands thoroughly Photo: John Tomaselli / www.123rf.com Though it seems so simple, washing your hands properly is actually as effective as giving yourself a mini vaccine. It’s one of the best ways to rid dirt and germs to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. If that isn’t enough to convince you, consider this: participants in a study published by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found bacteria of faecal origin in 44 per cent of samples where participants didn’t wash their hands. Gross. 2. Just chill Photo: Wavebreak Media Ltd / www.123rf.com Chronic stress suppresses your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds and flus. Find a healthy outlet to release tension. It could be hanging out with friends, doing a sport you enjoy, or even learning something new. Here are five ways to relax. 3. Clock more sleep Photo: Dean Drobot / www.123rf.com You knew this was coming. According to a study published in the Pflugers Archiv – European Journal of Physiology, sleep – or a lack of it – influences and affects your immune system in a big way. Sleep deprivation compromises your body’s immune function, and causes stress and inflammation levels to spike. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night – your body will thank you for it! 4. Make more friends Photo: tomwang / www.123rf.com Health-wise, it pays to be a social butterfly. Researchers at the Carnegie Mellon University found that a lack of social support actually ups one’s risk of depression. The feelings of loneliness also weaken immunity. Think about it – having no one to turn to if you’ve had a bad day just fuels psychological and emotional stress. In the long run, that’s a sure recipe for poor health.  5. Eat well Photo: alien / www.123rf.com Diet definitely plays a big role in determining how well your body functions. Beyond filling your plate with superfoods rich in antioxidants (think colourful fresh fruits and vegetables), it’s also a good idea to load up on probiotics. These ‘good bacteria’ help to keep your gut strong and healthy to fend off infections. (Also Read: 12 Immunity-Boosting Foods That Will Help You Stay Healthy) 6. Get moving Photo: Andrei Zaripov / www.123rf.com Every bit of exercise counts. Make it a point to move more, even if you’re just taking a walk. Keeping active staves off a list of conditions and illnesses, and is thought to boost the circulation of antibodies to fight off germs and diseases. 7. LOL Photo: Anna Bizon / www.123rf.com Go ahead and LOL (laugh out loud) – it’s good for you! Laughing helps to ease stress and relieve tension, and also boosts a type of white blood cell in your body that combats infections. (Also read: 5 Personal Hygiene Habits to Help Ward Off Viruses)