As we transition into a new season, we need to continue to be mindful of our physical and mental wellbeing. We’ve come so far and now is not the time to let up. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy and non-time consuming ways that help boost your immune system and functioning at an optimal level.
7 “Blissful” Immune Boosting Tips That Keep You Feeling Fabulous
1. Incorporate Immune Boosting Foods Into What You Eat
At the top of the list is the digestive system.
This system is the foundation of how our immune system is able to stay functioning at an optimal level.
All of the body’s energy creation begins in the digestive system.
Eating foods such as blueberries, raspberries, cherries, kale, and spinach assist the body with some of the nutrients it needs to strengthen the immune system. Herbs and spices like cumin, turmeric, ginger, holy basil, oregano, ashwagandha, and Shatavari provide immune-boosting properties to our bodies as well.
2. Get The Right Amount Of “Blissful” Slumber For You
Sleep is the time when the body gets to totally focus on itself so that it can relax, repair, detoxify, nourish and rejuvenate us.
Getting the optimal amount of sleep various for individuals however, the goal should be between 6.5-8 hours of sleep.
This is the important part: the slumber should be as “blissful” as possible.
This means that your sleeping space should be quiet, relaxing, free of blue light, comfortable, with air circulating, and has a pleasing smell. Having your bedroom set up like this will assist in allowing your body to relax in a nice deep, immune-building slumber.
3. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
There is much information in the world about the benefits that exercise has on our physical and mental well-being.
There are studies that show a link between regular exercise and improved immune function. Exercise not only helps our cardiovascular system, our respiratory system, and our waistline!
It helps the immune system find and deal with pathogens and it slows the changes that happen to our immune system as we begin to age. All it takes is 30 minutes per day. Taking a walk in nature is a “blissful” thing to do for the mind and immune system.
4. Spend Time Outdoors
Spending time outdoors is a great way to refresh the mind and the body.
It helps to rejuvenate you and allows your respiratory system to take in some fresh air bringing oxygen into the body. Spending time outdoors reduces stress, improves sleep, and gives the body a natural dose of vitamin D. By taking a walk in nature you are able to get a double dose of immune-boosting for the body.
5. Stay Hydrated
Studies have shown that not drinking enough water or hydrating liquids can reduce the effectiveness of the body’s resistance mechanism.
By keeping the body hydrated you keep your throat and mucus membranes intact supporting its actions as a good barrier to all microbes. This also helps to keep your mind sharp and your physical strength intact.
As a rule of thumb, drink half your weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 140 pounds you should aim to drink at least 70 ounces of water per day.
6. Take A ”Blissful” Warm Bath
Taking a bath is one of the most fabulous ways to boost the immune system in multiple ways.
A warm bath helps to relax the muscles in the body, opens up the circulatory system allowing the blood to bring nutrients into our cells while removing waste from our cells at the same time.
Not only does a bath increase blood flow throughout the body, but it also makes it more oxygenated by allowing you to breath deeper and slower particularly when taking in steam. This can aid in killing bacteria and improve the immune system.
A bath is relaxing to the mind and can help to relieve mental stress due to its soothing and calming effect on the nervous system.
A “blissful” bath is when you add the essence of a spa to your bath by lighting candles, adding essential oils, playing relaxing and soothing music, dimming the light, and allowing yourself to be fully absorbed at the moment.
7. Meditation
Research has shown a powerful link between mediation and immune support. Study after study has demonstrated a positive immune response by the body from meditation.
Since your immune system is known as your “floating brain” for its ability to communicate with the brain via chemical messages. A commitment to a regular practice of meditation may enhance your mind-body ability to ward off disease.
Meditation is the #1 technique to boost your natural killer cells that fight off illness and disease. It goes without saying how meditation works on decreasing stress and anxiety which reduces the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone in the body.
The benefits of mediation are vast and all it takes is just a few minutes per day every day to reap the immune-building benefits of meditation.
There’s no doubt that our body’s immune system is incredibly intelligent, powerful, and complex.
However, it’s the simplest things in life that can help keep it operating at an optimal level!
Wishing you Wellness, Wisdom, and Wealth!
Namaste,
Rochel Marie Lawson, RN, AHP, CMS
The Queen of Feeling Fabulous