As we step into the coming weeks with such uncertainty and change ahead, we are reflecting on what it means to adapt and be resilient on all levels.
Our immune system is the ultimate example of how our bodies are constantly regulating and responding to various levels of threat and environmental changes. Our movement reflects the beautiful interplay of adapting and engaging with the environment as it shifts and requires us to adapt—in order to engage with the world, we must mold and move our bodies in the present moment to accomplish the task at hand.
The brain is plastic, it can change rapidly, and in these times of dramatic shift and change, a massive reorganizing and re-networking is occurring within your brain. This can be stressful and exhausting. Especially if those new networks are organized around fear and survival. Unfortunately, the nature of this pandemic and the stressors you are experiencing will drive your brain into less resilient and unhealthy patterns unless you interrupt the cycle and take time to pause. Care for yourself. Intend on peace and growth. Be mindful of your thoughts. Allow some fear and be fully present to your vulnerability, but do not let it harden or limit your flexibility. In times like this, those that are most flexible and adaptable will be able to change the world and evolve within their own bodies. Let your inner world be a reflection and vessel of the growth and resilience you wish to see in the outer world.
Here are some simple ways to support the resilience of your inner world and reduce stress during this time:
Meditate- Practicing mindfulness during a time like this is vital. Silence and stillness are necessary to process and integrate and find ways to thrive during times like this.
Say NO to sugar – Eating foods filled with processed and added sugars suppresses your immune system.
Get enough sleep – When you don’t get enough sleep, your body is more prone to illness because your immune system then suffers.
Try to reduce stress, and stay calm – You can ask yourself the following each day:
What am I grateful for today?
Who am I checking in on or connecting with today?
What expectations of “normal” am I letting go of today?
How am I getting outside today?
How am I moving my body today?
What beauty am I either creating, cultivating or inviting today?
Eat nutritious and immune-boosting foods – Fresh herbs, garlic, lemons, vegetables, and bone broth are essential to giving your gut and cells the nutrients they need to keep your immune system thriving. 70% of your immunity originates in your gut, so you really want to care for it now!
Take your supplements – When your body is defending itself, it can run through vitamins and nutrients more quickly, so be sure you are compensating for this by being diligent with your supplement intake. Here are some great ones to help boost your immunity.
Most of these can be found in a high-quality multivitamin, so chances are you may have many of them on hand already:
Selenium
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Magnesium
Vitamin A
B complex vitamins
Vitamin E
Oregano Oil – 1-2 drops added to water or olive oil in a capsule
Zinc
Increase your hydration – Getting enough water should be a priority all the time, but especially when you are trying to keep sickness at bay. Adequate hydration helps your body circulate nutrients to your cells and clear out the junk that accumulates. Bump your hydration up a notch by adding a drop of lemon for some antioxidant support for your liver and immunity. Add ginger for your immunity.
Support your gut with probiotics – Probiotics help your immune system fight from the gut! Your microbiome health is crucial to keeping the rest of your body healthy, so supporting a balanced digestive system is super important when you face sickness.
Move your body – This will help your lymphatic system drain and keep your blood transporting nutrients where they need to go. For example, try free, at-home yoga or Feldenkrais Lessons. We have a few wonderful lessons on our YouTube Channel.
This is the ideal time to encourage family, friends and colleagues to focus on building a strong immune system through exercise, healthy nutrition, stress reduction, and smoking cessation. Remember, fear only creates stress, which further compromises our immunity. So take this time to learn all that you can to help yourself and your family stay safe and healthy.
This content was adapted from this wonderful blog, we are grateful to share their information and connect you to their website: MegBusiness