Your vulnerability to Coronavirus largely comes down to your immune system. Tired? Stressed and not eating well? Although uncertainty and isolation is disorienting and can cause major anxiety, panic isn’t good for our bodies at all.
Vitamin C and immunity supplements are helpful, but the best way to boost your immunity is easier than you might think: a good night’s sleep and a healthy diet work wonders.
If you struggle with managing your anxiety, that’s fine too. But it’s important to remind ourselves that worrying won’t stop problems from occurring. Accepting that you can’t (and shouldn’t) be able to control the outcome of a pandemic is the first (and most important) step towards gearing your energy towards what you can do: protect your health.
Feeling meh? We round up the 10 best ways to boost your immune system.
Sleep more
It’s no secret that sleep is the most rejuvenating antidote to chronic fatigue and stress. The more you sleep, the more equipped your body is to fight off diseases. We know screens have turned into our best friends these days, but the problem is they might also be a major trigger for insomnia. Do yourself a favour and put the phone down.
Exercise
Staying home doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. On the contrary, an innumerable number of apps are proposing discounted memberships so you can workout from home. Keep an eye on Instagram too; your favourite workout studio might be giving sessions for free on live stream.
Add garlic to all your meals
Garlic is often seen as a “grandmother remedy” to illness—but it works. With great anti-inflammatory and anti-viral purposes, you should consider adding garlic to all of your meals.
Listen to uplifting music
Need to lift your spirits? Start your day by playing happy music—before even leaving your bed. According to researchers, listening to music decreases stress hormone levels and in turn, improves your immunity. Press play and let yourself go.
Go dry
If drinking has been your guilty pleasure over the past few weeks, that’s fine. Each one of us is adopting different coping mechanisms and Zoom happy hours might be yours. But alcohol and sugar combined reduce the body’s ability to create white cells and put you more at risk.
Get some sunshine
Ok, it’s not easy when you’re stuck at home. But if you’re lucky enough to have a terrace or a garden, make the most of it. If not, try to expose yourself to sunlight when you’re out food shopping.
Practice breathwork
Everyone should know by now that meditation reduces stress and anxiety. If you’ve been reluctant to try it, it’s time to take the plunge and channel your inner Buddha.
Take a warm shower
Anything that can make you feel more relaxed is welcome right now. A warm shower and some good music is the best combo to start off your day by taking good care of yourself.
Connect with nature
If your city allows you to go for short daily walks, and you’ve got nature around you, go for it. Nature lowers the levels of cortisol and will help you feel calmer in the blink of an eye.
Don’t smoke
This is obvious but it’s always good to have a reminder. Smokers are more prone to Coronavirus complications, so if you were still hesitant, now is the best time to finally quit.
