9 Habits That Hurt Your Immune System

The most surprisingly basic and everyday habits can influence how well your body fends off colds, flu, and other infections, from not getting enough sleep to not keeping a pen in your bag. Here’s a list of little things you may be doing (or not doing) that can make you sick. Not Socializing Enough Believe it or not, research shows that the fewer human connections we have at home, at work, and in the community, the likelier we are to get sick, have more anxiety, and live shorter lives. In one study, researchers who monitored 276 people between 18 and 55 found that those with six or more connections were 4 times better at fighting off the viruses that cause colds than those with fewer friends. What to do: Don’t let a jam-packed workday or hectic schedule get in the way of your friendships. Stop by a co-worker’s office for a quick Monday morning catch-up, or e-mail/text your friends at night to stay in touch when you’re too busy for phone calls. RELATED: The Best Soups to Kickstart Your Immune System Not Getting Enough Rest The perfect example: college students who get sick after pulling all-nighters and cramming for exams....