Hi everyone, welcome back to 8 Minute English on the Learn English Podcast channel.
So, how's everyone feeling today?
With this cold weather I bet some of you might be sneezing or even dealing with a cold.
Are you one of them?
Don't worry, today's episode might just have the answers you're looking for.
Have you ever wondered, why do I get sick so easily?
Or maybe you've noticed that you're always the first one to catch a cold in your family or at work?
Well, today we're diving into this topic, Why do you get sick easily?
And as always, don't forget to check out the free PDF with all the tips and vocabulary from this episode.
It's in the description below.
Ready to find out what's making you feel tired or sick?
Let's get started. Hey Mia, you don't look so great today.
Is everything alright?
Not really. I've been feeling tired and keep sneezing all the time.
That doesn't sound good.
You might be catching a cold.
Do you think it could be because of a weak immune system?
That doesn't sound good.
You might be catching a cold.
Do you think it could be because of a weak immune system?
Hmm. Now that you mention it, I've been getting sick a lot lately.
Like colds and stomach bugs.
That's a sign, Mia.
A weak immune system doesn't just make you catch colds.
It can also make infections last longer.
Right. And it's not just colds.
Did you know that with a weak immune system, even small cuts or wounds can take longer to heal?
Really? I didn't realize it could affect so much.
Absolutely. It also increases your risk of more serious infections.
For example, a weak immune system can make something like the flu turn into pneumonia if you're not careful.
And it doesn't stop there.
A weak immune system can even lead to fatigue and make you feel tired all the time.
That explains a lot.
I've been feeling tired even after sleeping for eight hours.
And it can also affect your ability to fight off stress.
Chronic stress weakens your immune system even more, creating a vicious cycle.
So, stress makes my immune system weaker, and then I get sick.
Which makes me more stressed?
Exactly. That's why it's so important to strengthen your immune system.
Small changes, like sleeping better, eating nutritious food, and managing stress can help break the cycle.
Ah, and I haven't been sleeping well lately.
I stay up late watching shows, and I always feel drained the next day.
Lack of sleep is definitely a big problem.
Did you know that when you don't sleep enough, your body makes fewer immune cells?
Really? I didn't know that.
So, just sleeping better can make me healthier?
Exactly. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep every night, and you'll feel much better.
And what about your diet?
Are you eating nutritious meals?
Honestly, no. I've been eating a lot of takeout and skipping fruits and veggies.
That could be another reason why you're feeling this way.
Foods rich in vitamin C and D are great for keeping your immune system strong.
Exactly. Add things like oranges, broccoli, and salmon to your meals.
They're packed with nutrients that fight off illness.
Hmm. I guess my diet does need some fixing.
But I also feel so stressed out lately.
Could that be a factor, too?
Absolutely. Chronic stress weakens your immune system over time, making it harder for your body to fight off infections.
So, what can I do to manage stress?
Try doing yoga or meditating.
Even taking a short walk outside can help you relax and feel more balanced.
I'll try that. Oh, and I work in a shared office space.
Could germs from others be a problem?
Definitely. Places with lots of people can expose you to more germs, make sure to wash your hands often, and avoid touching your face.
That's good advice.
I'll start being more careful about that.
Also, I don't drink enough water.
Could that be part of the problem?
Yes. Dehydration makes it harder for your body to flush out toxins and can leave you feeling sluggish.
Try drinking at least eight glasses of water a day.
It'll help your body function better and keep you energized.
And don't forget to stay active.
Sitting all day can lower your energy levels and make your immune system weaker over time.
Thanks, guys. I feel like I've learned so much already.
Any time, Mia. Just remember, small changes can make a big difference.
Let us know how it goes.
Let's go over some useful phrases from today's discussion.
1. Catch a cold. To become sick with a common illness, especially in colder weather.
Example, if you don't wear a jacket, you might catch a cold in this weather.
2. Build resistance.
To strengthen your body's ability to fight illnesses.
Example, regular exercise can help you build resistance against common colds.
3. Break a habit. To stop doing something that's not good for you.
Example, I'm trying to break the habit of staying up too late.
4. Take precautions.
To take steps to prevent something bad from happening.
Example, washing your hands regularly is a good way to take precautions against germs.
5. Stay active. To keep moving and exercising to maintain good health.
Example, even a 10 -minute walk can help you stay active and energized.
Now here's something to think about.
1. What's one change you could make to avoid getting sick during colder months?
For me, wearing layers and staying hydrated have been game changers.
2. How do you stay active when you don't feel like exercising?
For me, short stretches or dancing to my favorite music really helps.
What about you? Don't forget to share your tips below.
We'd love to know what works for you.
4. Stay healthy. Before we wrap up, let me share some fun facts and research about staying healthy.
Did you know that laughing can boost your immune system?
A study from Loma Linda University found that laughing reduces stress and increases the production of immune cells in your body.
So, next time you feel down, watch a funny video or share a joke with friends, it's good for your health.
Here's another interesting fact.
Staying hydrated can improve your focus by up to 14%.
According to the University of Connecticut, even mild dehydration can affect your mood and cognitive abilities.
So, keep a bottle of water handy and take regular sips throughout the day.
Oh, and here's something fascinating about sleep.
A study from Harvard Medical School shows that sleeping 7 -9 hours a night helps your brain store new information.
That means getting enough rest can make you smarter and healthier.
Don't forget, we've put together a free PDF with all these tips and more.
It's in the description or comments below.
Make sure to check it out and let us know if you found it helpful.
That's it for today's episode of 8 -Minute English.
Thank you for joining me and I hope you learned something new and useful.
Take care, stay healthy, and I'll see you in the next episode.
Thank you for watching.
