2020 and 2021 have been a wild ride, to put it mildly. It’s far too easy to get wrapped up in the turbulence of news headlines and social media posts while losing your own inner resources of positivity and self-empowerment. Fear and anxiety seem to be taking over, which is why I want to explore a few tried and true antidotes to this disheartening trend.
In this article we will explore fun, fast, and effective ways to boost immunity, by focusing on the following:
The law of attraction. How fear and lack of self-care negatively impacts our immune system Solutions for boosting immunity, while decreasing vulnerability to illness.
What is the Law of Attraction?
The Law of Attraction is the magnetic power of the Universe and manifests through everyone and through everything. It manifests through your thoughts—by drawing you to people who have similar thoughts and ideas as you, and the corresponding situations and circumstances that accompany these thoughts.
When enough people begin to anticipate positive outcomes, while focusing on gratitude, humanity takes a positive turn and embarks upon an entirely new (and better) trajectory.
By thinking about negative outcomes on a global level, we are bound to have negative outcomes manifest in our lives. It seems to me, most of humanity is stuck in a negative feedback loop. But, thank goodness, breaking free is totally possible. You just need the right tools.
How does fear impact our immune system?
Did you know that our immune system is a part of our lymphatic system? It’s true! Our lymphatic system relies upon the nervous system and enteric nervous system to balance our sympathetic and parasympathetic responses. Fear causes a heightened sympathetic response, and when it becomes chronic, it keeps us in a constant state of fight or flight.
When fear hijacks our nervous system in this way, it becomes nearly impossible for our immune system to work properly. If you’re still not convinced, check out a study published in The Psychological Bulletin, which explains further how psychological stress sabotages our immune response over time. We need to let go of our fears if we want to boost our immune system this winter.
Solutions to combat our fears
How can we reduce our fears in such fearful times? There’s simply no guarantee that putting ourselves in a bubble will keep us from getting sick.
Here are some of my favorite fun, fast, and effective ways to boost the immune system and stay healthy all winter long!
Daily nasal rinse
As a massage therapist, I’m in a “high-risk” profession. In addition to wearing masks and sanitizing constantly, I support my immune system by using a nasal rinse every morning when I wake up. It’s a saline solution that I also add 1 drop of betadine (per ounce of water) to. Many scientific studies like this one and this one, show just how effective a daily nasal rinse is for boosting immunity and preventing respiratory illnesses. Choose between a neti pot or NeilMed Sinus Rinse. So easy!
Take immune-boosting supplements
By simply popping a couple of all-natural supplements with your breakfast each morning you can give your immune system a healthy boost. Most studies show that vitamin C and vitamin D are two supplements that effectively support immune health. Taking a high-quality multivitamin is also a good idea. And if you’re curious about the science between supplements and the coronavirus, check out this info.
Move and groove your body
Getting exercise on a daily basis greatly improves immunity and the cool thing is, you don’t have to do much. Getting outside for even 10 minutes a day positively impacts your mood, while feeding the body natural vitamin D, which also boosts your immune system. I say, exercise outdoors as much as possible.
Hike in the woods. Enjoy a stroll with your best friend. Walk your dog, (or a neighbor’s dog, for that matter). Use a bicycle as your primary form of transportation. Do yoga in the park. There are so many ways to move and groove your body amongst the beauty of nature, and if you want to decrease your risk of coronavirus complications, take this info to heart.
Turn your days into sacred rituals
Having a daily ritual that includes some sort of focus on the present moment can also be very helpful.
Focusing on the breath, practicing meditation, doing some kind of prayer—whatever you can devote even 5 minutes a day to can be highly beneficial.
If you need a bit of inspiration to begin, check out this video, as well as this website.
According to the CDC website, these are the best ways to cope with stress:
- Know what to do if you are sick and are concerned about COVID-19. Contact a health professional before you start any self-treatment for COVID-19.
- Know where and how to get treatment and other support services and resources, including counseling or therapy (in person or through telehealth services).
- Take care of your emotional health. Taking care of your emotional health will help you think clearly and react to the urgent needs to protect yourself and your family.
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Take care of your body.
- Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
- Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
- Exercise regularly.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid excessive alcohol and drug use.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
- Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations. While social distancing measures are in place, consider connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail. For more information, check out this link.
And if you’re looking for yet another effective way of staying healthy this winter and boost your immune system in the process, why not book an appointment for a massage today? I believe this type of work to be incredibly important and highly beneficial during these stressful times, and I’m so grateful to provide these services to you.
