With the global pandemic going on right now, many of us are having to get creative indoors to keep ourselves in good spirits. Instead of being cooped up in the house feeling bored, or endlessly watching the news, you can use your downtime to focus on your self care routine with these immune boosting activities.
7 Self Care Rituals for a Healthier Immune System
1. Meditate
Meditation can do wonders for lowering stress levels and boosting your immune system. By calming your nervous system, meditation lowers cortisol levels, improves sleep, and helps support your immune function. If you are new to meditation there are a variety of different styles to choose from, and all of them are beneficial. Try checking out some guided meditations, or start simply enough by closing your eyes and counting your breath.
2. Breathing Exercises
Your breath has more power than you realize. Slow controlled breathing reduces cortisol levels, lowers blood pressure, and improves circulation throughout the body. One of the best things that you can do when you are feeling stressed or anxious is to take long, deep breaths. This will quickly change your physical and emotional state, and support optimal immune function. Want to take your practice a step further? Experiment with different breathing exercises and find one that works well for you.
3. Dry Brushing
This activity not only helps your immune system, but is great for your skin and cellulite! Dry brushing is a quick and easy technique to help flush your lymph system. The lymphatic system is a critical part of our immune function protecting the body from various infections, bacteria, and pathogenic cells. Try spending a few minutes a day dry brushing, and not only will you be supporting your immune system, but you will be exfoliating your skin as well.
4. Music
Not only is music great at elevating your mood, but the frequency–in other words the speed of the vibration–of music actually helps reduce the physical impact of stress on our body. When you listen to a song, your brain waves will synchronize with the frequency of the music. By helping to balance the nervous system, music also supports our immune function. In addition, music is beneficial to our brain health and helps to improve memory and cognition. So play your favorite song, and turn it up!
5. Laughter
Laughter is essential for our mental health as well as our physical health. It helps to relieve stress and release endorphins that give us a “happy” feeling. Laughter not only improves your mood, but helps you let go of any physical tension in your body. A good laugh increases your immune cells and helps your body fight infections. You now have a good excuse to binge your favorite funny show, or watch cat videos on youtube. Make sure you don’t let a day go by without laughing.
6. Movement
Just because you are stuck indoors, doesn’t mean you should sit on the couch all day. Keeping your body moving is important for your body’s lymph system, circulation, muscle, and bone integrity. If you can safely get outside for a walk or run that would be a great way to move your body. There are lots of ways that you can move indoors as well. Try dancing to your favorite music, or doing high reps of squats, pushups, and sit ups throughout the day. If you are used to working out at the gym, this is your opportunity to get creative and switch up your normal exercise routine! Whatever you decide to do, just keep moving.
7. Sleep
One of the best activities that you can do for your immune system is to sleep. This is how your body repairs and replenishes itself. However, if you are stressed, sleep may not come easy. This is one of the reasons that we emphasize meditation, breathwork, and laughter as ways to help reduce stress and anxiety. If you are having trouble falling asleep, try meditating before bed. And if you are at home right now and have the opportunity to get in that power nap, go for it!