If you knew exactly what your house plants need to be green and lush, wouldn’t you give them what they need?
Since they are stuck in your home, their well-being depends on you. The same is true for your immune system. Now that you are in lockdown, its well-being depends on you. Here are five basic needs your immune system has that you can easily take care of, and ONE habit that can address four out of five of those basic needs in one shot!
If you are new to these Weekly Reminders you might like to know that your subconscious mind is accountable for 90% of your daily decisions. If all you do is read this email (but put nothing into practice), you are already sending a positive message to your subconscious mind. Congratulations! The more similar messages it gets, the better decisions you will make.
Five Ways to Support your Immune System during Lockdown
1. Exposure to sunshine is essential to your immune system – especially if you want to keep it from overreacting.
In the absence of direct sunlight (the kind that you get when you are closer to the equator), it’s important to supplement your vitamin D. But Vitamin D is not the only benefit you miss out on when you don’t spend time in the sun. The sun also helps regulate your circadian rhythm and your production of cortisol (stress hormones). Getting enough sunlight during the day can actually help you enter a deeper sleep at night. A deeper sleep allows your body to produce cytokines which are protective proteins that your immune system releases at night.
2. Breathing in air from different environments helps maintain your gut’s biodiversity.
Make sure you let fresh air into your home, bring in a variety of plants and flowers, and don’t hesitate to take a stroll to the nearby park while taking in some deep breaths (and maintaining 2 meters of distance from others, of course).
3. Nourish your body with whole foods instead of processed foods.
Refined sugars and vegetable oils are some of the main ingredients in processed foods which are known to wreak havoc with your gut bacteria and your overall immune system.
4. Social connection is key to your physical and emotional health.
The more you feel connected the better you can recover from stress, and the better you manage your stress, the better your immune system is able to function.
5. Did you know that every time you increase your heart rate, your immune system becomes more efficient for the next three hours?
That’s right! Just a little physical movement every day goes a long way. Dancing in your kitchen for 10 minutes will do the trick. But going out for a daily brisk walk is a habit that helps you address #1, #2 and #5 all in one shot! And if you want to address #4 as well, just invite a friend to come along.
Have a smarter day, a smarter week and a smarter life,
Ginny Santos, your holistic coach.
PS: If you like getting these weekly reminders and you know someone who could also benefit from them, please forward this email and invite them to sign up.
A love note from your future self:
Taking care of houseplants is a real skill, and taking care of this body we live in is no different. Thank you for taking the time to learn and improve your self-care.
Love, from your future self.
Disclaimer: The content contained in this email is for educational and inspirational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health care professional. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice because of something you may have read on this email.