Being in Bermuda in April and May often gives the joy of experiencing all the seasons within a week.

On any given day, expect a rainy afternoon, damp morning, humidity, blue skies and everything in between.

Bermuda is in bloom.

Even if immune systems are weakened and have us feeling our blows, we still want to take advantage of these hints of summertime.

And so, when feeling sick, the question then becomes, to workout or not work out?

What if it is just a head cold? If you just feel stuffy, have a cough or a slight headache, do you bite the bullet and work out?

If you feel up to it, take it easy with your workouts. Maybe do something less high impact.

If you have a head cold or your sinuses are acting up, I suggest avoiding any exercises that might put you upside down, like yoga for example.

I am a firm believer in listening to your body, especially if it needs rest.

Missing a few workouts won’t derail your entire mission.

What if it’s more than just a head cold?

Body aches, a fever and the chills?

Your body is telling you to rest. Stay in bed and give your body what it needs to recover.

We are designed to handle the stress of a workout but if we’re already fighting a cold our bodies can’t handle the stress the same.

Instead of a workout, focus on healing your body from the inside out.

Here are some immune boosting foods that are sure to get your body back into fighting shape:

Garlic

Garlic isn’t just for flavouring foods. It has antimicrobial properties that are good for healing viruses. Try roasting some with other veggies to bring out the sweetness.

Bone Broth

Chicken soup is actually great for making you feel better because chicken contains an amino acid called cysteine, which helps to thin mucus in the lungs. The hot broth helps to keep your nasal passages clear and it also prevents dehydration. If you are vegetarian try miso as an alternative.

Vegetable/fruit juices

These are perfect for when your appetite has disappeared but you need to get those nutrients in.

Turmeric and ginger tea

This is my all-time favourite drink! I swear by turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties and ginger is great for soothing upset stomachs. I drink this tea every evening after my dinner.

• Cassandra Matcham is a Yoga Alliance-certified yoga instructor, studio and group fitness manager at Alchemy Fitness. She specialises in accountability and goal-setting to help clients reach their full potential. Follow Alchemy Fitness on Facebook: AlchemyFitnessBermuda or e-mail info@alchemy.bm.