Our lives are largely shaped by our habits, influencing our routines and outcomes. 

Consistent daily practices are essential to overall wellness. It’s common to prioritize the end goal: lose weight, run a 10K, eat healthy. The truth is -- success is in the process. The systems you have in place to achieve your goal will make or break it. James Clear, author of Atomic Habits says, "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." Your routine is the key to the outcome you desire.  

 

As the seasons shift, so does the prevalence of colds and the flu. Healthy habits that support your immune system and minimize germ exposure are crucial. You don’t wait for a cavity to start brushing your teeth— by adopting a proactive approach with these three simple daily habits¹ you can feel more prepared for whatever the season brings. 

Hygiene Matters: Clean Hands, Clear Nose

Unless you live in a bubble, you’re going to encounter germs during cold and flu season. Minimizing your exposure by washing your hands is something you’ve known since childhood. Washing out your nose is also important because nasal passages are a common entry point for irritants, bacteria and viruses.

These three simple habits can make a difference in reducing germ transmission:

1. Wash your hands frequently (aim for at least 20 seconds of thorough scrubbing of the whole hand); Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are unavailable. 

2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, as this provides an easy pathway for germs to enter your body. 

3. Add the Naväge Nose Cleaner to your daily routine. Its gentle, powered suction system helps flush out mucus, allergens, germs and bacteria from nasal passages, promoting nasal cleanliness as part of your overall hygiene efforts. 

 

By incorporating the Naväge Nose Cleaner into your daily routine, you are boosting your nasal hygiene, using powered suction to flush out mucus and airborne allergens, bacteria, and viruses. Nasal irrigation helps you breathe better, sleep deeper, and feel healthier. Put it in your bathroom and use it when you go to brush your teeth before bed, or first thing in the morning. Chances are it will become part of your routine and you’re going to quickly notice a difference in how you feel. 

 

Building healthy habits is your best defense against cold and flu season. Those three tips sound like such simple things, because they are – the key is turning them into your daily habits to set yourself up for success.  

 

We mentioned boosting your immune system and minimizing your exposure to germs so we will leave you with a few more tips for how you can help fortify your body's natural defenses with a few key lifestyle choices²:  

 

• Eat a balanced diet rich in immune-boosting nutrients like Vitamin C and Zinc. 

• Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.  

• Engage in regular physical activity.  

• Avoid close contact with sick individuals, and if you're feeling unwell, stay home to prevent spreading germs to others. 

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow to contain infectious droplets. 

 

By taking these steps and building healthy habits, you give your body the support it needs to function optimally, regardless of season.

1. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/index.html#:~:text=CDC's%20Respiratory%20Virus%20Guidance%20provides,a%20range%20of%20common%20respiratory 

2. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/fight-off-the-flu-with-nutrients#:~:text=Immune%2Dboosting%20nutrients%20fight%20flu,Wednesday%2C%20November%2016%2C%202022