As the season of pumpkin lattes, warm scarves and falling leaves arrives, so too does another, less cheery time: flu season. While a flu shot or over-the-counter medicine may seem like your best bet, you can also ward off the pesky flu the homeopathic way. So before you’re up to your ears in Kleenex and cough drops, read these natural and ridiculously simple lifestyle tweaks that will prepare you for the coming months.

1. “Let thy food be thy medicine.”

Hippocrates was on to something when he said this, many moons ago. It is a simple but brilliant concept. If you eat bad food -- in the simplest of terms -- you will feel bad. Yes, you will feel guilty for eating one too many sweets. But your entire immune system also happens to depend on the nourishment that you give it. That being said, if you eat good food, you will feel good – mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Even equipped with this knowledge, it may still be tempting to scarf down six pieces of candy with Halloween around the corner (hey, they’re FUN size). Just remember how dreadful being sick is. You can avoid the experience altogether if you eat more nutrient-dense food. So be sure to up your intake of fruits and veggies, especially dark leafy greens. And go heavy on the garlic too! Not only does it prevent vampires, but garlic is also known to prevent infections. 

2. Hydrate!

Seriously, drink all the water you can get. Then drink some more. Add a few lemon slices for extra flavor and a boost to the immune system. Tea is also beneficial. It is rich in antioxidants that help keep flu symptoms at bay. Plus, it warms you up as the weather cools down. It’s so worth the 38 trips to the bathroom.

3. Be Clean

Someone sneezes --- "bless you!" Hopefully they’ve covered their mouth and have sneezed into their hands to prevent projectile snot. Note: this is not actually the right move -- you’re supposed to sneeze into your elbow. The infected hand then procedes to touch the doorknob, faucet, phone...everything. You unkowningly touch the doorknob afterwards and are awarded with snot hands as well. Congratulations!

Moral of the story: wash your hands, and wash them often. Carry around hand sanitizer, especially if you already have the sniffles. One of the easiest ways to contract the flu is through touch, so stay sanitized!

4. Don’t touch your face

No matter how many times you wash your hands, you should always try to keep them away from your face. Flu virus is spread through the eyes, nose, or mouth, so do your best to keep them as germ-free as possible.

SEE ALSO: Seven Healthy Fall Recipes

5. Exercise

In addition to making you look good, hitting the gym can make you feel good. Yeah, yeah you say. Who wants to step outside when a cozy blanket and Netflix sound so much more appealing? AND who has times to work out when it’s midterm season? Stop making excuses! Even 20 minutes a few times a week will help fight off flu symptoms. 

6. Catch some Z’s

Sleep is essential. Who doesn't like sleep? No one, that's who. In fact, when you’re sleep-deprived, studies have shown you’re more likely to get sick. Between the midterm cram sessions and Halloween bashes, aim to get at least seven hours a night.   

Reach Executive Producer Lizzie Pereira here.