Being sick is the pits. All it takes is one bad cold or one rough bout with the flu to make you start wishing you were anywhere else but stuck in bed. Even the commute to work is better than that.

Fortunately, there are ways to armor your immune system that allow you to better stave off illness and crush those germs before they put you down for the count. The following four recommendations will have you feeling stronger, healthier, and out of bed all year long.

1. Get Enough Sleep

It's amazing how much better you can feel and how much better your body will operate if you just get enough sleep. The number of hours required can vary substantially between individuals—and especially depending upon your age—but the old adage of getting eight hours a night is a fantastic guideline. However, despite sleep's rejuvenating effects, so many people walk around like zombies all day after only getting five or six hours of rest.

It's understandable. Work and life pressures mean there is never enough time in the day. What you gain in temporary productivity by staying up late, however, is often soon lost by the extra days you will end up spending in bed with the flu; because if you aren't properly rested your immune system just will not be as strong as it should be. Adopting a better sleep schedule is the No. 1 thing people can do to improve their overall health and allow their body the best chance to fight off germs.

2. Eat Properly

Like sleeping enough, eating well is a quite obvious way to stay healthier in all respects... but people still are unable to do it consistently. Temptations are always right there, stress has everyone looking for a little comfort food, and being tired all the time breaks down people's ability to stave off cravings. As is true with your immune system, these things are all inter-related. Everybody slips up here and there—and you may need to devour some junk food once in awhile to maintain some sanity—but committing to improve your nutrition will do wonders not just for your waistline but also your immune system.

And while you don't want to get bogged down in pseudo-science, try infusing your diet with some immune-boosting foods that include probiotics (like Stonyfield or Fage Greek yogurt) and anti-oxidants (like berries and leafy greens). On the flip side, also try to avoid or cut down on alcohol consumption. Not only does it have a negative effect on all your internal systems, but it tends to disrupt sleep patterns and lead to bad, late-night eating choices.

3. Take Your Vitamins

Too many people try to fight a cold after the fact by stuffing down vitamin C and other over-the-counter remedies. But these generally just dull the symptoms of any illness rather shortening the time you are sick. The better way is to maintain consistency throughout the year and always take the same things to keep your body operating at a high level all the time.

One problem many people have, however, is figuring out what to take. Between all the advice about fish oil, green tea pills, traditional vitamins, and hundreds of other options, there is simply a dizzying amount of stuff to keep track of for those without a pharmacy degree. Fortunately, there are a host of great resources out there. Look for information on the latest vitamins and supplements from trusted sources like the Amway blog.

4. Wash Your Hands

Most people don't wash their hands nearly enough. Studies show that even doctors—medical professionals trained for years at the world's most expensive universities—are major culprits. Though most of us won't be cutting open anyone in an operating room any time soon, we touch our mouths, noses, and eyes a staggering number of times every day.

Subconsciously, humans just can't stop putting their hands on their own face. And every time you do, it's one more opportunity for a bug to take a ride from the doorknob you just touched into your bloodstream. Most people (we hope) are good about washing their hands after using the bathroom or before they eat, but that really isn't enough. By washing your hands even a few more times throughout the day, you will likely start catching fewer colds.

Immune System Strength

Many of the best ways to keep your immune system strong align with ways to stay healthy overall. That doesn't make them any less effective. Get your rest, eat your vegetables, take your vitamins, and practice better hygiene. It's that simple.

By following just a few easy recommendations, you too can start walking around like a immune system super hero. This way you'll be out of bed and ready to take on the world—whatever it may bring.

Jared Wade is a journalist who has been covering business, sports, Latin America, and more for over 15 years. He is currently living in Colombia, concentrating on economics, the financial sector, and the nation's ongoing peace process.