Is it just me, or does it feel like we are really settling into a 'new version' of life now?
I've certainly found a new rhythm, but one thing is for sure - our health and wellness continues to be of the highest priority as we continue to navigate these uncertain times.
So as we continue to get comfortable with our new reality of working from home and social distancing, keeping your immune system in check should always be at the top of your to-do list. That’s why I want to share with you some easy tips to boost immunity as we navigate life during this pandemic.
#1 - Wash your hands
I’m sure we’ve all heard this plenty of times in the last several months, but the health officials are absolutely right! Washing your hands is one of the best ways to stay healthy, and to protect yourself and those around you.
You see, keeping your hands clean is nothing new – it’s probably something you learned to do so long ago that you don’t even remember learning it. But practicing the mindful act of washing your hands helps keep germs from entering your body, which boosts your immune system and benefits your long term health.
Interestingly enough, health officials are practically beating us over the head to perform a practice that we should be doing anyway. So thoroughly cleaning your hands before and after preparing food, after being outside, after using the restroom, etc. are the steps we must take to prevent infection and to keep ourselves feeling healthy.
#2 - Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated is one of those things that just never gets old. Why? Well, since our bodies are made of mostly water, getting plenty of it is something that’s good for our overall health.
When you don’t get enough water, you are opening yourself up to endless complications like fatigue, headache, dizziness, and even more problematic symptoms. And as we get older, sometimes our bodies don’t necessarily alert us as quickly that we’re actually thirsty, so always keeping water in arms reach is a great way to stay hydrated.
Water is essential to human life and keeps our cells and blood vessels operating properly, thus keeping our immune systems in tip-top shape. So dehydration is something that can easily be reversed and avoided simply by upping your fluid intake.
#3 - Get plenty of sleep
A good night’s sleep is yet another super-easy way to boost your immune system. While you sleep, you are helping your body to restore and repair itself, so yes, more sleep is always good, and quality sleep is even better!
Sleep happens to play a significant role in immune function, so getting about seven to eight hours a night is a surefire way to prevent colds and the flu. Not only are you keeping your brain sharp, helping to reduce stress and improve your memory, but you’re also helping your body fight off serious health issues.
So to keep your immune cells in their best shape, make sure you’re getting good sleep every night, so your cells are able to fight off and attack harmful bacteria as quickly and efficiently as possible.
#4 - Supplement with supplements
The job of supplements isn’t to prevent or cure disease, but they can be used to boost your immune system by improving immune response. Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, and Elderberry are only a handful of supplements that have shown to be effective in maintaining healthy immune response.
Bacteria and disease go hand in hand, so probiotic supplements are also a great way to keep harmful bacteria away. Adding the right kind of supplements to your daily regimen is a great way to keep your mind and body at ease. Just be sure to check with your doctor first to make sure you are using what’s right for your body.
#5 - Eat your veggies
Now that we’re all spending so much more time at home, it’s the perfect opportunity to cook nutrient-rich foods. Things like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are exactly what your body needs for optimal vitality.
Supplements are a great addition to a healthy diet, but nothing will outweigh the benefits of consuming whole plant foods. As they are antioxidants in nature, they’re perfect for fighting and reducing inflammation or build up in the body.
#6 - Exercise
Keeping your body moving is crucial for our health, now more than ever. As we find ourselves indoors more often, it can be challenging to keep up a fitness routine. But simply adding moderate exercise to your daily practice is a great way to boost immunity.
Similar to eating the right nutrient-rich foods, getting moderate exercise also plays a role in reducing inflammation in the body, keeping our immune cells healthy. By all means, you should definitely indulge in a good sweat from time to time, but simple things like yoga, a bike ride, dancing, or even a walk through the neighborhood are fantastic alternatives. The key here is getting in the habit of making it an everyday thing!
#7 - Be mindful of stress triggers
Did you know that stress is directly related to the immune response in the body, responsible for fighting off toxins and foreign substances? Well, stress happens to be one of those silent triggers than can manifest in the body in various ways. And even research shows that those suffering from depression had weaker disease-fighting cells that are responsible for how the body reacts to viruses.
Stress is responsible for things like poor digestion, hypertension, high cholesterol, and even heart disease. This is serious stuff, so being mindful of and eliminating the things that can cause stress will always benefit your immune system. So naturally, we must take care of our bodies to support our immune health, but as you can see, paying attention to stress and taking care of our minds is just as important.
And speaking of taking care of our minds and bodies to achieve optimal health, our specialized guided neuro meditation could be just what you need for an even stronger immune system. It’s called VITALITY, and it’s the perfect tool for removing stress, anxiety, and the negative feelings that can wreak havoc on the body and mind. This brand new system was designed specifically to help you transform your health and well-being, in only 20 minutes a day. So let’s take the reins on our well-being so we can move into the last half of 2020, feeling radiant and healthy!