There has been so much focus in the media and from our government on how to avoid Covid-19 through isolation and social distancing. We believe that there needs to be the same amount of focus on how to boost our immune systems and keep ourselves vibrant and healthy! Whether you are at home self-isolating, or at work at some of the few businesses that remain open, we want to support you with your health and well-being, so you can be preventative not just reactionary! Here are our top 7 ways to build and boost your immune system.
1. Start your morning off with alkaline hydration
Begin every morning, right after you wake up, by drinking 16 oz of pure filtered or spring water with ½ of a squeezed lemon. It is incredibly important to start your day with hydration and bring your body into an alkaline state. This practice supports your liver in detoxing and boosts your immune system and metabolism.
Keep drinking pure filtered or spring water all day, aiming for more than the recommended daily dose of 8 (8 oz glasses). Staying hydrated will help keep your mind clear and support you in flushing out unwanted toxins.
2. Tap for immunity
Tapping, also known as EFT, is an easy way to mature and release white blood cells and connect to your heart! Simply bring your fingertips to the center of your chest lightly tap and breathe deep while you read the benefits of this practice. The thymus thump is known as the happiness point and tapping this area helps the thymus gland mature the guardians of your immune system (white blood cells). This practice can also help you calm down, neutralize negative energy and support healing. Tapp for a minute or two a few times a day to keep your immunity high and anxiety low.
3. Eat your way to immunity
With many restaurants temporarily closing down most of us are forced to make our own meals. We think this is great because the only way you know exactly what you are putting in your body is if you make it yourself! Food is medicine, especially if you are eating clean, whole foods full of nutrients and antioxidants. Here are our top recommended foods to help boost your immune system and fight off viruses. Whenever possible try to shop organic/pesticide-free.
Berries (Wild Blueberries & Strawberries), Citrus Fruits (oranges and Grapefruits), Leafy Greens, Garlic, Ginger, Red Bell Peppers, and Almonds
Each of these recommended foods is either high in the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs to keep your immune system strong, or are naturally anti-viral or anti-bacterial helping you protect yourself against Covid-19.
4. Eat for the season
Eating for the season helps regulate our moods and energy levels and can increase our resistance to fighting off any pathogens. We just entered into the beginning of Spring and there are certain foods that we can start to include in our diets to help lift our spirits and keep our immune system strong.
Here are some recommendations:
Raspberries, blackberries, lean proteins, sauerkraut, kimchi, avocado and dark leafy greens.
5. Move your body
Your immune response doesn’t move by itself you have to move it! The main purpose of the lymphatic system is to move lymph, which is a fluid that contains our infection and virus-fighting white blood cells. But lymph doesn’t move by itself, it is pushed along its path as you breathe or move.
Be playful and get in the habit of moving to keep your body’s immune response flowing every day. Dance, shake, walk, practice yoga, do Qi-Gong or go for a jog! For an added bonus, try doing the above while outside with your feet in the grass or sand because moving your body while connecting to the Earth is a powerful, proven combination to help boost your immunity.
6. This is not a laughing matter.. or is it!?
When was the last time you had a good laugh? Laughter lowers stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies. It’s okay to fake it until you make it! Try some overdone deep belly laughs (HA HA HA) and you’ll still stimulate the release of endorphins your body’s natural feel-good chemicals. For more inspiration look into short videos on laughter yoga, watch a funny video on youtube, or your favorite comedy (show or movie) to inspire some mood and immune-boosting laughter. This is definitely a serious time for all of us, but we have to try to lighten up whenever possible!
7. Deep sleep promotes healing
Create a relaxing bedtime ritual to prepare for a good night’s sleep. Research has shown that infection-fighting antibodies and cells are reduced during periods when you don’t get enough sleep. Getting good, deep sleep is more important than ever.
Here are our top tips to get a deep healing night’s sleep:
- Try taking a warm bath before bed with Epsom salts
- Rub calming essential oils on the soles of your feet like lavender or on your pillow
- Read a book before bed
- Take at least 2 hours off from any news or COVID-19 updates before you go to bed
- Try playing binaural beats or white noise
- Make sure your room is as dark as possible
Sleep is healing and a sound sleep improves immune cells known as T cells, so rest well for improved immunity!
We hope these 7 tips inspire you to take really good care of yourself during this time. Breathe deeply, tap your heart, go for a walk, hydrate and rest well.
