How To :: keep kickin' when you feel like death warmed over

It's a war zone out there

Sniffly friends ninja-sampling your beverage, co-workers seeming close to death stumbling about the office, cold nights snuggling with your sweetie who swears they're over their cold..

What's a diva to do?

Regardless of your immune status – taking control over what you can control will help you stay as healthy as possible and boost your immunity.

Your immune system is like your miniature army, patrolling your body for germy invaders as well as keeping your own cells in check. So do your little soldiers a favor and dress them in the seasons' latest military fashion.

Here are 10 steps that anyone can do to bolster their shining armor during cold + flu season wartime ::

1. Shake your groove thing

Moderate exercise, such as hiking, dancing, and even a good walk has immune-boosting properties. If you feel a little cold coming on, try a 30 minute walk, a short bedroom romp.. but not so much a 4 hour marathon – overdoing the exercise can reduce your immune system's ability to fight infection.

2. Keep the vamps away

Yes, even Edward – eat lots and lots of fresh garlic. Vampire Kryptonite has anti-viral properties as well as heart healthy substances. When you can smell it on your skin, that's probably plenty.

3. Dress to de-stress

Whether it's meditation, yoga, exercise, journaling, hot baths, or a spa-day – do something daily that gets you breathing easily, feeling light, and tells your stress to beat it. Yes, daily. You are a priority, darling.

4. Turning Japanese.. and Italian

Green tea, fancy mushrooms and olive oil. All have immune-enhancing compounds.

5. Downplay the drama

This is mage for your health. Did you know that every time you bitch about something, your brain starts looking for everything else that's wrong? It is a protective mechanism from the stone ages and it has a dramatic impact on the status of your immune system. So, catch yourself before the bitch-fest + ditch the debbie downers. If you find yourself at the center of a drama queen whirlwind – stop. Take a breath, and find something positive to say immediately. Get your friends on board the positive party train. Whoever breaks the rule first, buys.

6. Put down the suga'

Put down the Ho Hos (yes, the cakes too). Sugar inhibits certain cell's ability to patrol and wipe out germy predators.

7. Two drink max

Yes, small amounts of alcohol have antioxidants (think, a glass of bubbly – not three martinis), but too much compromises certain cells of the immune system. Moderate, doll face. Lush is a bad color on you anyway.

8. You look parched!

Up the H20. Keeping moist is good for everyone.

9. Sani-tize

Wash your hands frequently. Like, Lady MacBeth frequently. Don't be afraid of hand sanitizer – since it's your greasy little mitts that transfer most of cold + flu germs, not the air particles. Normally, I'm not a fan of the overly Lysol-ed disinfecting of the world, but when you're surrounded by sickies (or sickos), a little squirt is a good idea.

10. Surround yourself with happy

Pursue happiness. When you're sick, it's easy to be a curmudgeon and just plain negative Nancy. You're tired, achy, and want your mom. Don't get your knickers in a knot. Flip a bitch (session) and instead, connect with the peeps that make you feel good n' loved. Warm + fuzzies keep you healthier physically, mentally and emotionally. True story – the more connections you have (um, real friends, not your FB number), the better your immune system responds to challenges.

So, load up on love.

What're your how to's on spooning out Chicken Soup for your Jack's // Jill's Soul?

About the author: Dr. Jen Wisner Dr. Jen Wisner is a dabbling neuroimmunologist, damn good kickboxer and aspiring farmer. Her research and expertise is in the biochemical connections that create the mind-body connection, is sought- after as a speaker and occasionally, sought after to shut up. Learn more about Dr. Jen.