HELP YOUR BODY HELP YOU

7 Must Haves for Powerful Immunity

By gaining a better understanding of how your immune system works, you can help your body run at maximum efficiency. And we all want that, right?! The immune system is a multilayered defense structure that battles the millions of bacteria, microbes, viruses, toxins and parasites ready to invade. Good health and a strong immune system go hand in hand. Enjoy this checklist below, and of course add other health-boosting points for your personal needs!

1. Exercise/Movementrelieves stress and anxiety. Have SOME form of movement daily! Get to a yoga class, ride your bike, take the stairs, walk to your next destination, stretch at your desk, go for a jog, take a dance class. Even 15 minutes will make you feel brighter and stronger. Find movement you enjoy and do it! Being active reduces stress and raises your body's temperature which helps to kill any lurking colds. When we move we feel more confident. Of course I suggest yoga which calms and relaxes the nervous system, boosts immunity and clears out mucus. (especially inversions and twists!)

2.Stock up on organic raw fruits & vegetables (including seaweed!) = antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber and enzymes for high nutritional content. Get an assortment of deep, rich, colorful produce for the highest rate of immune boosting antioxidants. Plus it's more fun to eat! Take advantage of your farmer's markets so you get the best in seasonal produce. I HIGHLY suggest having a Green Juice daily or at least 3-4 times a week to keep your immune system strong, mind clear, and annoying cravings at bay.

3. Get Outside, even in the cold! Have a snowball fight (I know, not yet!), go for a hike, go to the park, find an outdoor hot tub, or take a walk around town. Many spend way too much time indoors when it gets cold, breathing in stale air & other people's germs. Dress warm and spend more time outdoors which will help your body acclimate to the colder season. The cold stimulates the thyroid gland. If you live somewhere with all the seasons, enjoy them! Just dress right and you'll be fine.

4. Nurture Yourself - Make sure you take time for you! Spend time with friends, indulge in a massage, a yoga class, a hot bath, light a candle, play music, lay low and read with tea, or all of the above! Our bodies respond to our emotions, BIG time. If you're feeling stressed or anxious it will affect the immune system.  Make time for self love and create a supportive environment while you relax or even while you work. Accept that you don't have to be everywhere all the time as the holiday gatherings kick in. Say no when your intuition tells you too. When you're happy you are less likely to get sick!

5. Meditate and be still for at least 5-10 minutes every morning. Some love to do this at night as well. Sitting calmly and silently strengthens the immune system as it lowers stress and anxiety. It strengthens concentration, brings focus to our greater intention for the day, relaxes our mind, supports a better relationship with our breath and body, and cultivates our overall ability to be disciplined in the actions that produce daily well being. All of this is massive for a strong immune system.

There you have it! This is just a template with plenty more one can do. If you have questions, would like to work with me one on one, or share some of your own ideas, please be in touch!