A strong immune system is incredibly important to staying healthy. It will help fight off infections, lessen the effects of common colds, and promote faster healing for any injuries you may sustain. However, we often neglect it and find ourselves run down as a result of working too much or just not paying enough attention to our overall health.

Our immune systems are our own natural defense against contagious nasties, so it is best to try and boost them in the most natural way possible.

Below are some tips on how to improve your immune system by doing simple, everyday things.

Spend some time in the sun

For many of us, our natural reaction to spending time in the sun is a hesitant one, as we fear the stinging roast of sunburn. However, being outside in the sun, even if it’s playing fun games online, is a great way to boost your immune system.

Vitamin D can recharge your system and soaking up a few rays of the sun is the easiest, most natural, and most efficient way to get some. But you need to make sure that you don’t overdo it. Doctors recommend that you only spend between 15 and 20 minutes in the sun every day to get the dosage you need.

Eat yogurt

Yogurt is packed full of probiotics. Probiotics strengthen the immune system and will help you fight off infection. Studies have also shown that those who consume probiotics have up to 40% fewer colds and digestive issues.

Plus, yogurt is also rich in vitamin D, which as mentioned above, can give your system a healthy boost. Yogurt with fresh fruit pieces is not just delicious, but can also make for an even more nutritious meal, as plenty of fruits contain antioxidants and vitamin C.

Workout

We all know that exercise is good for our bodies, but you don’t have to turn into a full-on fitness fanatic in order to build up a strong immune system. Simply going for walks a few times a week or joining an exercise class here and there can help keep you in good shape.

Furthermore, research has shown that exercising fairly regularly can help flush bacteria out of your lungs, which can reduce your chances of picking up any airborne illnesses. It also forces your white blood cells to circulate faster, which allows your immune system to detect infections more quickly.

Make sure you get a good night’s sleep

While playing on your phone or binge-watching your favorite series well into the early hours of the morning may seem like a great way to relax, not getting enough sleep can have devastating effects on your immune system.

Try and get at least six to eight hours every night. This will allow your body to rest and recharge and will leave you feeling refreshed the next day.

Without enough sleep, your body and in turn your immune system will begin to feel run down. Not only will you feel tired and grumpy, but you will also become more susceptible to picking up colds or infections.