Healthy habits: 5 easy ways to give your immune system a boost this spring

Super-charging our immune systems has never seemed more important.

We don't know too much about the novel coronavirus just yet, but we do know this: Having a strong and healthy immune system is one of the very most important things when it comes to fighting off bugs and viruses – not just now, but all the time. And the thing is this: Yes, advancing age does weaken our immune system,  but the good news is this: There is plenty of things we can do to help strengthen our super-charge our body's defence system.   Fancy giving your immune system a good aul' boost? Here are five things experts swear will do just that: 1. Sleep We all know not sleeping enough can leave you tired, but did you know it can also leave you sick? Sleep is incredibly important for your immune system, and especially during the colder months when we are more susceptible to catching anything going. Make sure you get between seven and eight hours every night and try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even on the weekends. This will help regulate your sleep cycle and make you sleep better. 2. Sip on green tea Sitting down with a steaming cup of tea as the evening draw in and the nights are getting colder is not only soothing, it is also good for you. Especially if you go for the green variety, which is choc-a-bloc with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. 3. Break a sweat Colder weather and darker evenings make us all want to hibernate, but, in fact, this time a year, it is more important than ever to haul your behind off the sofa and hit the gym. Exercising three times a week is ideal for staying fit and giving your immune system a boost. Oh, and want the good news? Sex counts as exercise too! 4. Eat more nuts and garlic Garlic is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and nuts are full of healthy fats, known to keep your body healthy – and your skin young and smooth. 5. Take a bath A bath will not only warm you up when you come in from the cold but will also make you relax, sleep better and can even strengthen your immune system if you do it right. The next time you hit the tub for a soak, try this: Add 2-3 handfuls of sea salt, the juice from one lemon and some fresh (or dried) rosemary, thyme or sage. Leave the herbs to soak in the bath for 5-10 minutes before you climb in.