It's always been important to keep our immune system fighting fit, but with current events playing out across the World more of us are starting to sit up and pay attention to just what we do to boost our immune system and are looking for answers as to how to do this naturally.
Aside from making sure we practise good hygiene and social hygiene what else can we do to give our immune system a boost? We've listed our top 5 ways to naturally boost your immune system below! (whilst these aren't a guarantee that you won't get sick, we believe it's good to treat our bodies as well as we possibly can!)
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Exercise
It's not always easy to fit in a daily workout, but exercise is a great way to boost your immunity. The NHS recommends that adults should get around 150 minutes of moderate (aerobic) exercise a week, but anything is better than nothing!
Personally, I try to get at least half an hour to an hour of exercise in 5 days a week, and if you want to join me in keeping fit then follow along @KINN_living
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Sleep
You don't need to tell me twice to get plenty of sleep, but it really is important that the quality of sleep you are getting is high and that you're not just laying in your bed with the tv blaring. Try and make your room an electronics-free zone and practise mindfulness before you sleep in order to help you drift off without too many thoughts on your mind. By sticking to a regular schedule you'll also find that sleep will begin to come easier to you. Adults need around 7-9 hours of sleep per night!
- Stay away from the alcohol
Yes, we know, it's definitely tempting in lockdown to grab a bottle of Malbec and hit the sofa, but too much alcohol can have a negative effect on our immunity. If you do drink, drink in moderation. "Clinicians have long observed an association between excessive alcohol consumption and adverse immune-related health effects such as susceptibility to pneumonia." - Alcohol and the Immune system.
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Don't binge on unhealthy foods!
Don't worry, we aren't saying you need to throw out all of your treats, but try and stick a healthy and nutrient rich diet, lots of fruit and veggies and a healthy dose of protein are so important to keep our bodies healthy, and this will help you feel better in the long term.
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Try and keep your stress levels down
Ok, we know this is easier said then done, but try and keep your stress levels low. Get outside (if you can) and get plenty of fresh air and Vitamin D, a walk in nature can do wonders for your mental health! Practise mindfulness, or try and set aside 5 minutes of your day to do something that brings you joy, even if those 5 minutes are in the shower daydreaming about your favourite place to be!