Keeping your immune system healthy is the first step in avoiding colds, flus and other illnesses. It also helps to minimize the symptoms and duration when you do get sick. Here are some ways you can boost your immune system through everyday activities and the right habits.
Skip the junk food
Besides keeping your weight down, eating healthy will give your body the nutrients it needs to maintain healthy organs and systems. That includes the immune system. Make choices based on nutritional value rather than going for tasty treats that do little for your health. Have fruits for dessert rather than ice cream and fill your plate with vegetables instead of extra gravy.
Sleep
Sleep deprivation does terrible things to your immune system. If you’ve ever pulled an all-nighter, you may recall getting a terrible cold soon after. Long term sleep deprivation is even worse, with your body accumulating sleep debt and lowering your immune system’s function in the process. In addition, your stress level increases with less sleep, further weakening your immune system.
Exercise
The right mix of cardio and weight training helps strengthen your heart, delivers more oxygen to your organs and boosts your immune system. If you want to resist nasty bugs, make exercise a regular part of your day. You don’t have to go to the gym six times a week to benefit. Simple home workouts from jumping jacks to pushups will benefit your body (and your mind).
Laugh
The feel-good hormones released during a good laugh will bring your stress levels down and raise your immune system’s ability to fight illness. There’s a reason for the saying “laughter is the best medicine”. Don’t wait until you’re sick. Take time to enjoy a good joke or watch a funny movie
Pray
Prayer calms the mind and body, chasing anxiety and bringing you strength to handle life’s challenges. With this boost comes a healthier body as well, including your immune system.
Listen to music
Music soothes the savage beast… and those who are stressed. Choose up-beat tunes to dance to or soothing melodies to calm you down. Both will help your stress levels go down and improve your body’s ability to fight disease.
Play
Taking care of your body and meeting your responsibilities can be overwhelming to say the least. Take the time to play, physically and mentally. Chase your toddler, sit down for a board game or tickle your spouse. Having fun keeps you positive and a positive attitude is linked to a healthier immune system.
There’s no way to avoid sickness, but you can do your best by preparing your body for the fight with a healthy immune system.
