Are you guilty of only honing in on your health once you’re already sick? When it comes to year-round wellness, it’s your prep work that really matters. Weall know the basics of a healthy lifestyle, from a good night’s sleep to getting your greens. But when building your natural immunity, those are only the tip of the iceberg. Building a stronger and more resilient immune system is easier than you think. To get you started, here are nine simple tips for improving your built-in defences:
Be mindful of your sleep pattern
When life gets hectic, one of the first things that slips is sleep. The short-term outcome might be a short fuse or an afternoon slump. But it’s the longer-term outcome you really need to watch out for, as the effects of bad sleep can lead to a sluggish and irritable immune system. Restless nights could be the culprit of those extra sick days you’ve been racking up. How you get good sleep is personal to you, but to be on the safe side, most adults should aim for a consistent 7-9 hours.
Stay hydrated
Hydration is an essential part of your immunity toolkit. Tune into your body, taking note of howoften you’re sipping water and when you feel yourself becoming thirsty. You’ll feel great inside and out, nourishing your body and creating better detoxification pathways to keep you well.
Eat your greens
Don't underestimate the power of produce. It's recommended that half your plate is stacked with colourful fruits and vegetables. These give your immune system extra armour, also known as micronutrients and antioxidants. By amping up the plant focus in your favourite meals, you'll fuel your immune system to identify and eliminate potential pathogens before things can get nasty.
Stay calm
It's easier said than done, but stress can wreak real havoc on your immune system. Try to centre yourself when life gets overwhelming. Consider this your open invitation to do things that fill your cup, like picking up a great book or going for a coffee with a mate.
Get grounded
Grounding, also known as Earthing, involves walking barefoot on natural surfaces such as sand, dirt, or grass. It’s all about creating a better connection with the land, helping you make the most of the ground’s electrical charges. Learn more about this widely discussed practice.
Nurture your gut
Probiotics and prebiotics are your personal gut-friendly superheroes. They’re small but mighty, playing an essential role in facilitating the ‘good’ bacteria in your body that aids your overall immune system. Next time you’re in the supermarket, hunt down probiotics like greek yoghurt and kimchi, as well as prebiotics like flax seeds and barley. Your immune system will thank you for it.
Get moving
Moving your body is important for more than that short-term endorphin hit. It can help us sleep better, feel better, and stay calmer, all of which are essential to maintaining our natural defences. If you’re not a runner or a lifter, it turns out dancing could be a key part of your immunity checklist. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine states that dancing benefits overall health by strengthening the immune system. A boogie in the lounge for less sick days? Yes, please!
Take care of your skin
Skin is your largest organ and often needs a bit of extra love, mainly because it's your first defence system against germs. Eating your greens and staying hydrated is an easy way to keep your skin in good working order. Not to mention that sought-after outer glow!
Regular check ups
Health is complex, so it’s important to get an expert involved to make sure everything is working as it should. An annual GP appointment is a great chance to check in on your well-being and catch potential worries early. Like we first mentioned, good prep work is far easier than finding a cure once you're already ill. As fruit and vegetable lovers at our core, we believe that a healthy balanced diet is the foundation to good health. So get eating, sleeping and moving to keep yourself feeling fresh!
