(BPT) - Temperatures are chilly, days are shorter, and it's that time of year that everyone tries to avoid getting sick. In fact, adults on average get two to three colds per year, mostly over the fall and winter months. To help adults and kids alike avoid coughs and sniffles, it's important to tackle wellness holistically by incorporating easy, practical tips into your everyday routine.

"While it's natural for illnesses to circulate this time of year, there are many ways to adjust your routine to promote a more robust immune system and help you recover more quickly if you do get sick," said Megan Roosevelt, RDN. "Simple everyday habits, from frequent handwashing, prioritizing sleep, eating real whole foods and utilizing the many amazing health benefits of herbs, can help minimize your chance of getting sick and keep you feeling your best!"

Here are simple tips to support your immune system and overall well-being this season:

Eat flavorful fermented foods to support gut health

A number of foods that have been fermented using natural processes and which contain probiotics have been shown to improve gut health. With a healthier gut, you're building a stronger immune system, as most of your body's immune cells reside within your gut.

To support gut health, try foods that have been naturally pickled or fermented. Yogurt is an easy and accessible option that strengthens your gut biome. Try low or no-sugar yogurts and top with seasonal fresh fruits like apples or persimmons. Add pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of maple syrup for a tasty and wholesome meal or snack.

Some other foods featuring fermented ingredients that are vibrant with seasonal flavors include pumpkin sourdough bread topped with apple butter, butternut squash soup with miso, and grilled cheese with kimchi filling.

One particularly versatile fermented food to keep on hand during cold season is apple cider vinegar. Use this ingredient in dressings and glazes for a tasty zip and don't forget to add a splash to hot apple cider for a delicious health boost.

Take daily herbal supplements to supercharge the immune system

Introducing herbs with research-backed functional benefits into your daily regimen lowers inflammation and strengthens gut health, ultimately building up your immune system. An easy way to incorporate herbs is through supplements, like those from Harker Herbals, which draw from the power of plants.

For example, with ingredients like high-strength Echinacea, Astragalus, Eleuthero, Ashwagandha, Reishi mushrooms and Siberian Ginseng, Immune + Energy Daily helps nourish overworked adrenals, supports healthy energy levels and promotes optimal nutrient absorption, especially important during cold and flu season. Incorporating them into your morning routine in tea, a golden milk latte, or a comforting seasonal recipe like Winter Warming Energy Brew helps establish ongoing daily habits.

For active kids with busy schedules, fussy eaters who need a helping hand and little ones needing energy and immune resilience to navigate daycare and school, Children's Immune Daily helps support a resilient immune system. Incorporating the herbs into something children already love like Immune Boosting Gummies will boost your children's vitamin C and help maintain immune resilience all year long.

For 40+ years, the expert herbalists at Harker Herbals have blended botanicals into products trusted by generations to restore health and live well. Every formula is made in a GMP-certified facility using only the finest, premium natural ingredients.

"Incorporating Harker Herbals into my family's daily routine is an effective tool in our wellness toolkit during cold and flu season," added Roosevelt.

Plan movement to improve mood and overall wellness

Exercise is always important for overall mental and physical health, and it's even more important during cold and sickness season. But as the weather gets colder and days get shorter, it's tough to muster the motivation to get active.

It's important to be intentional to get over any seasonal slumps. Try setting a daily time for movement so you can create a routine that helps you feel your best. For example, yoga in the morning before your shower, a walk over lunch to look at the evolving outdoor landscape, or a workout class after work before you go home and put on pajama pants.

Keep in mind, sunlight can impact your mood and the circadian rhythms that regulate your sleep cycles. A little sun each day will help you feel less sluggish, so put on some boots and layer up for an outdoor hike and you'll feel energized by the time you return. If it's just too chilly, try some exercise close to a window so you enjoy some natural light and feel rejuvenated even from the comfort of the indoors.

Prioritize relaxation and sleep to help the body heal

Quality sleep is crucial for optimal health, but the change in seasons and daylight saving time can mess with routines. The CDC recommends preschoolers sleep 10-13 hours per day (including naps), school-aged children sleep 9-12 hours and teenagers get 8-10 hours of sleep. For adults, 7-9 hours is recommended each night.

To support everyone's sleep schedules, establish a consistent family evening routine by reducing screen time two hours before bed. Then, create a cozy environment by dimming the lights and quieting noise levels. This can help boost relaxation and ensure the hours spent in bed are quality ones.

Embrace the coziness that comes with the cool months. Much like the Danish concept of hygge that encourages contentment with comfortable living during the cold seasons, you can make time to relax in soft blankets, light a candle, or switch to a small lamp and enjoy some warm tea (caffeine-free herbal teas, like chamomile, are good options in the evening for relaxation).

Additionally, try incorporating an evening family meditation after dinner, as meditation has been proven to improve the quality of sleep, and it sets the tone to wind down after a busy day. There are many different meditation apps available that can help make this an easy daily habit.

During cold and flu season, with so many family, friend and school outings and gatherings, it can feel like illness is constantly making the rounds. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you'll feel your best throughout the season.

Learn more at HarkerHerbals.com, and find products to support your family's wellness at Amazon.com: Harker Herbals.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.